MEMBERS of Basildon Borough Twinning Association delivered almost £200 of Christmas food stuff to the Helping Hands Food Bank in Lee Chapel North.

A statement from the association says: "Members decided to donate the food after what has been a very difficult time for many in the Borough. No public grant money was used in this donation as the food was donated by members themselves.

"At a recent meeting, members discussed what Twinning could do to help our local Borough to bring a smile to others less fortunate than us at Christmas.

"It was decided that we would try and bring a little cheer to some families who have found it hard in the last 18 months or more. John McKay, who runs the Helping Hands Food Bank in Ballards Walk was very grateful for the donations.

"John and his wife Pam and their team at Helping Hands, do such a great job ensuring that those in need are given as much help as possible all year round. John explained to the Twinning members how the bank has given hundreds, if not thousands of meals to the needy this year.

!If anyone else wants to donate, please do contact John at the food bank.

"Our thanks go to Twinning members and others who took part in this initiative and we wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and New Year."