A local supermarket has donated a pallet of food to the Sid Valley Food Bank to help it support the more than 170 people relying on it during the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent UK lock down.

Sidmouth's Lidl this week donated a pallet of Mexican food kits which the food bank will give out to recipients along side the usual staples.

The Sid Valley Food Bank's coordinator has expressed her thanks to everyone in the community who has helped support the charity, from the supermarkets to the independent shops and individuals who have donated food during the coronavirus lock down.

Sid Valley Food Bank coordinator Andie Milne told Nub News: "We've had huge donations from Waitrose and Lidl, as well as local businesses such as The Factory Shop, the Dairy Shop, Winchester & Sons, Hayman's Butchers and Vinnicombes Bakery.

"The food bank would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated to us during this difficult time. We're on week eight here and at the start we really struggled."

This week the food bank is supporting 51 families, made up of 172 individuals. With food bank recipients ranging from six months old to 94 years old.

Andie added: "We would also like to thank Kings Garden and Leisure for all their help with deliveries and Ian Barlow who, on behalf of the town council, has been working very hard to support us.

"It's been a massive team effort from a significant number of local businesses and individuals."

Sidmouth Town Council Chair Ian Barlow said: "The town council has been helping the town's community groups in any way we can. In this case we acted as a facilitator.

"We're extremely proud of the work done by the Sid Valley Food Bank and we will continue to help."

During the Coronavirus Emergency, food can be left at the Leigh Browne Room, adjacent to the Unitarian Chapel, at the following times:

-Tuesday – Thursday: 10:00 to 11:00