A new food bank has opened in Bradford to help feed the city's growing numbers of hungry and needy.

Aid charity Save the Mothers Trust (SMT) based in Beckside Lane has joined up with Bradford Central Lions Club to run the project. Both of the organisations have started off the food bank with a donation of £500 each to buy goods.

Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Khadim Hussain and other civic dignitaries were at SMT's headquarters yesterday to mark its first-giving session.

Ibrar Hussain from Save The Mother's Trust said: “The reason for bringing forth such a project is to help those that are in most need within the city. Over the last few months both organisations have been approached by more young families and individuals who are struggling to put food on the table.”

The project will hand out parcels every Thursday from 11am to 1pm to people referred to them from agencies such as social services. People who are not referred will still be helped but will be asked to provide proof of need. Donations can be left at Beckside Lane which is signboarded weekdays between 9am and 6pm.