A HIGH Street bank is asking for donations of food to help with a neighbourhood hardship project.

The Virgin Money store on Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland is collecting non-perishable food items on behalf of Woodhouse Close Church Community Centre's Crisis Intervention Project. Suggested items include tinned foods, mince pies and Christmas cake.

The Crisis Intervention service provided by Woodhouse Close Church Community Centre offers practical support to people from the Woodhouse Close estate - and the wider Bishop Auckland area - who are experiencing severe hardship.

Louise Day, Virgin Money Bishop Auckland store manager said: β€œIt doesn't matter whether you are a Virgin Money customer or not, you can help to make a difference this Christmas by making a donation of something as simple as a tin of beans.”

Since the Crisis Intervention Project started five years ago, it has provided help and support to around 5,000 people. In the year to September 2015, the number of people they helped increased by 40 per cent on the previous year. The project also sells second-hand furniture, clothes and household goods either free or at low cost.