The number of food parcels handed out to needy people across Bradford by one city food bank has increased by 450 per cent in three years.

And last year, Bradford Metropolitan Food Bank distributed more than £100,000 of food to struggling families.

Figures released by the charity show the number of hand-outs has almost doubled each year since 2011, when it gave out 1,434 parcels.

In 2012, that number increased to 3,586 and last year it hit a record 7,843.

Lashman Singh, who founded the charity nine years ago, said he believed that figure could increase again this year.

“The number of parcels we are giving out has increased a lot over the last three years. The figures don’t relate to the number of meals, but the number of parcels we give out.

“Each parcel is worth between £12 and £15, which means last year we gave out over £100,000 worth of food.

“This just shows the massive generosity of the people of Bradford through their money and donations and we would like to thank them.

“We want to be accountable and show people where their money and donations go.

“We’re very grateful and need their continued support.”

Earlier this month, the charity urged anyone who bought too much food over Christmas and new year to donate the excess to help those grappling with the cost of the festive period.

It said it was expecting its busiest January and February ever and asked for cash and food donations.

Since then, food has been coming in through drop-off points at businesses in the district, and the Kirkgate Shopping Centre is to make a £1,600 donation to the cause.

Mr Singh said: “The Kirkgate centre has been collecting money for us as an ongoing thing and is a place where people can drop off food for us to collect.

“We’d like to thank them for their support.”

The charity, based at St Mary’s Church on East Parade, is asking for donations of non-perishable items, including tins of meat and fish, soup, spaghetti, beans, vegetables, fruit, rice pudding and custard.

It also needs jars of coffee, sauce, jams, preserves and pickles as well as packets of sugar, tea, cereal, rice, pasta, cous cous, cereal and snack bars.

To find out more about making donations to Bradford Metropolitan Food Bank, visit bradfordfoodbank.com.