LEEDS City Council is offering extra help to anyone who is struggling to get the food they need during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Anybody who is currently struggling to access food due to either financial constraints or self-isolation is eligible for assistance.

They are being advised to contact a local key worker or service - which could be a school, college, social worker, housing officer or a local community hub - in the first instance to ask them to make a referral.

However people who experiencing difficulties in obtaining a referral can also make a self-referral by calling (0113) 376 0330, which is a free number.

In its leaflet explaining the system, Leeds City Council states that: “Once a referral has been made we will pass your information on to local volunteer co-ordinators and you will be provided with a food parcel or a supermarket voucher.

“This will be delivered to a provision hub near your home for you to collect, such as a community hub, school, foodbank or a charity, or delivered to your home directly.

“We want everyone to feel supported and will work with you to see what route is best for you.”

A number of local organisations are playing a role in the effort. They include: Otley Action for Older People in Otley and Yeadon; AVSED (Aireborough Voluntary Services to the Elderly) in Guiseley; Horsforth Community Aid Project; and OPAL (Older People’s Action in the Locality) in Adel and Wharfedale.