THE new Forest Foodbank was launched with a fanfare in Coleford on Saturday, but on Monday the whole scheme fulfilled its promise by stocking-up two needy families.

"We were very pleased about that," said one of the organisers. "The launch on Saturday went really well and we followed up on Monday by opening at the Roman Catholic church hall in High Nash from 1pm-3pm.

"As the news gets around we expect to have more applications but Monday's distribution was very good and we have two tons of food – all non-perishable – in stock. The national Foodbank organisation says we need about three tons but we don't have room for that."

The Foodbank will in future be opening twice a week for food parcel distribution to families and individuals overtaken by a crisis, helping them to get back on their feet. Applications for assistance, which can be made by telephoning 07775 265253, emailing info@ theforest.foodbank. org.uk or visiting the website http://www.theforest.foodbank.org.uk">www.theforest.foodbank.org.uk will be carefully vetted.

The Foodbank, which belongs to the Trussell Trust Foodbank Network, also needs to hear from volunteers keen to help and anyone who can donate food or the money to buy it.