AN urgent appeal has been made by Thurrock Foodbank for essential items they distribute to local people in need.

Business co-ordinator Sandra Sawle says: "Due to increased demand Thurrock Foodbank currently have no stocks of jam, pasta sauces, cooking sauces, spaghetti in tomato sauce, tinned meats, rice, sponge puddings, fruit juice, long life milk, cereals, rice pudding, custard and tinned potatoes.

"We are having to order food to cover our weekly box orders, something which is financially unsustainable going forward.

"We are asking companies to help by placing an online order of any of these items or make a financial donation which we will use to purchase them in your name.

"All donations are thanked across our social media platforms."

Sandra can be contacted by email at mailto:[email protected].