KEIGHLEY Salvation Army has seen a dramatic drop in the number of donated items to its foodbank.

Donations have plummeted in recent weeks, leaving the church desperately short of goods.

And demand for the service, which provides a lifeline to the needy, is rising as the coronavirus crisis grips.

Church bosses are warning that the amount of food in each parcel will soon have to be reduced.

The foodbank is normally housed at the Salvation Army centre in High Street, but the premises are currently closed so a delivery service is operating.

Usually around 30 parcels a week are distributed, but in the past week that figure increased to 50 – and the total is set to continue rising.

"The foodbank will operate throughout these difficult times but we still need people's support!" said Captain Josh Selfe, from the church.

"We are anticipating an increase in foodbank usage over the coming weeks as people are unable to work, or are needing to self-isolate. With schools closed families on low incomes will also struggle; having to feed children who would normally have access to free school dinners.

"We would like to appeal to those who are able to, to continue to support us with donations of food or finance so that we can maintain our help for the most vulnerable in our community.

"We'd be especially grateful for donations of pasta, rice, biscuits, tinned meats, tinned fish, tinned fruit, soap, toilet paper and hygiene products."

Items can be put in donation bins at Sainsbury’s and Morrisons supermarkets in Keighley, or call 01535 603494 to arrange a drop-off time at the centre.

Captain Selfe added: "We were truly amazed by the community’s generosity over the Christmas period – let’s continue to show what Keighley is made of by supporting the most vulnerable among us!"