A BUSY city centre foodbank is appealing for regular monthly sponsors from the business community to ensure it can continue helping local people in need.

The Trussell Trust's Bradford Central Foodbank has handed out emergency food supplies to more than 4,500 people in the last year.

The charity gives out three days' worth of food to those referred to it from social workers, health visitors, school liaison officers or Job Centre staff.

It relies on food donations from people, businesses and supermarkets, but cash donations are equally important to cover the charity's overheads.

Project manager Lisa Seale is hoping local businesses or individuals will agree to become regular monthly corporate sponsors - much like West Bowling label manufacturer Watermill Press. The firm has been providing Bradford Central Foodbank with a regular monthly income since October, and has now committed to supporting the charity permanently.

"We have wonderful donations from the public and amazing support from our volunteer workers in staffing the food bank.

"But we need more help, so if you or your business would like to join Watermill Press in becoming a regular sponsor for Bradford Central Foodbank, we are currently looking for a further eight key businesses or individuals to do so," Mrs Seale said.

"What’s often unseen are the overheads involved in running our operation such as rent, utility bills and essential equipment for the stores.

"We provide a café service, where clients can get a free hot meal whilst they are collecting their food supplies.

"To cover these costs we rely on cash donations from individuals and businesses, fundraising events and from regular monthly corporate sponsors.

Watermill’s print director Sandra Carr said "We are proud to support the essential work of Bradford Central Foodbank and have pledged to continue supporting the Trussell Trust for as long as foodbanks are required in our city.

"It is depressing that such services are needed but while we have been trying to help out it is also inspiring to see the wonderful volunteers and staff at Bradford Central Foodbank working so hard to alleviate people’s suffering."

The foodbank operates from The Light Church in Jermyn Street, Bradford, and is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 11am to 1.30pm. For more information or to help, visit www.bradfordcentral.foodbank.org.uk or call 01274 409562.