A BUSY Bradford foodbank which appealed for new premises through the Telegraph & Argus has voiced its praise of generous Bradfordians who came forward with offers.

The Bradford Metropolitan Food Bank, which was founded 12 years ago by Lashman Singh, who also runs the Bradford Curry Project, had been using St Mary's Church, in Barkerend Road, as a store for the past nine years.

In their first year they handed out 300 bags. That figure rose to 11,000 bags last year.

But when the building was sold the group was told it would have to find new premises by the end of October.

An appeal in the paper produced a flurry of offers and the perfect venue was found.

Food bank treasurer Keith Thomson said: "The response from Bradfordians has been overwhelming, and a deal has been agreed with another organisation to share their building in the city centre.

"We’ve been absolutely bowled over by the response to our plight from the people of our city. Bradford Council and individual councillors have been doing their level best to help us, and so many voluntary organisations and individual members of the public have come forward with suggestions. I’d like to thank everyone for their help and support. Bradford should be proud of itself.

“We’ve had a look at quite a few premises, but the one we’ve found is just right. It has parking and ramp access and space and, most importantly, it’s run by people who share our ethos of trying to help others."

Mr Thomson said they were not revealing the location of the new premises.

"We are not a food bank where people call for goods; instead they are packed up to around £15 per bag and are given to professional carers who distribute them. A few people did call at the St Mary's site and we had to take them to venues which hand out food to those who call in," he explained.

"The committee has decided not to disclose where the new premises is and the supplier is happy with this. They are also letting us have it at a free rent which is wonderful. Last year the charity spent almost £35,000 on food and in total was donated almost £200,000 in food and money. At least 25 primary schools in the district regularly collect food items for the charity along with many businesses. The charity has recently been donated a huge quantity of food through Harvest Festival events.

Mr Thomson said while they were willing to pay a rent for a suitable premises, because of the generous offer of free rent they will be able to spend more on food for those who are in desperate need.

The food bank is hoping to start work transferring stock to the new premises very soon, with the intention of being fully installed in their new home by the start of November.

"We are really thrilled. There is a lot of work ahead but at least the service will continue."