THE Dartmouth and District Food Bank has seen a steady rise in the demand for its help in recent months.

At a meeting of volunteers last week, group chairman David Gent said an increasing number of people have come to use the food bank since it opened six months ago.

He said: 'One of my aims is to open a food bank outlet in the lower town and, given the significant numbers of people using the service, we are only a few weeks away from achieving that.

'A major factor in the project's success has been the dedication and enthusiasm of the volunteers, and it mirrors the success of many other food banks now operating in this country.'

The food bank continues to open every Wednesday at Townstal Community Hall.

A fundraising event for the food bank will be held on Wednesday, August 15, at Dartmouth Baptist Church from 10am-2pm.

It will include a table top sale, tombola and other activities.