OTLEY'S MP has praised the town's Food Bank - while attacking the Government for failing to tackle 'holiday hunger'.

A recent report by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Hunger found that children were returning to school in a worse educational, health and developmental state than they were before their summer breaks.

Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) believes the lack of holiday support for those who receive free school meals during term-times is largely to blame.

The MP, commenting while visiting Otley Food Bank this week, said: "I believe it should be the Government’s role to provide support for families over the summer, including by providing food and activities to maintain children’s health and development.

"I supported Frank Field MP’s Holiday Provisions bill earlier this year but, unfortunately, the call to provide food and activities in the school holidays across the UK was unsuccessful."

Mr Sobel went on to contrast what he called the Government's lack of action with the effort that had been shown by local residents to tackle hunger all year round.

He said: "Where the Government has failed it is left to the community to come together and support each other during the school holidays.

"Otley Food Bank provides food and other essential household supplies around Otley, Yeadon, Guiseley, Menston and Bramhope from donations provided by the community.

"Whilst holiday hunger is important to highlight, it is easy for anyone to find themselves in need of a delivery from the food bank.

"I was so impressed by the subtle, pragmatic and non-judgmental approach from the volunteers who are managing it and dedicating so much of their own time to help others."

The food bank provides food parcels to the most vulnerable families and individuals within the Otley area - which includes Bramhope, Yeadon, Guiseley, Otley itself and Menston - and also, occasionally, to Burley-in Wharfedale and Ilkley.

Otley Food Bank's volunteer manager, Shirley Parker, said: "We help people from all backgrounds who need us for a variety of different reasons.

"It is important that people realise there is no shame in requesting a delivery from the food bank.

"We deliver sensitively so that nobody has to suffer any social repercussions, even though we believe that there should be no stigma in asking for help.

"We are pleased Alex is raising the issue of holiday hunger and we hope the powers that be hear what he has to say and respond.

"We are pleased to help our community, even though we wish our services were not needed."

Residents can be referred to the food bank through professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers, or Citizens Advice - or by contacting their MP.

*Free breakfasts for anyone aged under 16 are being provided at the Welcome In Cafe on Bedford Drive, Tinshill, during the summer holidays thanks to funding provided by Weetwood Councillors James Gibson and Christine Knight.