DESMOND Swayne, MP for New Forest West, met trustees and volunteers of the Ringwood Foodbank when he visited its distribution centre in Hangersley.

He spoke to volunteers and discovered how the foodbank operates in providing short-term emergency food aid, as well as information and friendship, for families in crisis.

Mr Swayne expressed his support for the work of the foodbank, which has been open for ten months.

During that time, more than 350 adults and children have received food aid from the foodbank, which is run by the Trussell Trust.

As reported in the Forest Journal, a second distribution centre at Verwood, based in the United Reformed Church, will be opened next month.