A food bank has found a new home due to rising demand.

Holme Valley Food Bank is now operating free of charge out of Holme Valley Memorial Hospital, after a long search by volunteers for somewhere to store and pack donated goods.

It was a welcome upgrade for the team, who had been using their own homes and a secretary’s office for the food since it was set up just over two years ago.

Community partnership Locala, which provides NHS community healthcare services from the hospital, was behind the move as part of a drive to get local organisations to use the facilities.

The group is now using the room to prepare the packs, which are then sent out to the Methodist Church, Holmfirth and Honley libraries.

They are picked up by residents given a voucher from local services, such as at doctors’ surgeries.

Chair of the group, Liz Hodgson, said: “People think that Holme Valley is an affluent area, but there is a need for this support, which has significantly increased over the last 12 months.

“We were struggling for space and we are really grateful to Locala for their generous offer.”

Liz blamed a number of factors on rising demand.

She said: “I think that changes to benefits, the recession and the rise of part time, low paid jobs has made the situation worse.

“It’s worrying but it seems that every community around the country is experiencing the same problem.”

Anyone wanting to help the food bank can donate at Poppies Coffee Lounge between 9:30am and 2:30pm, or at the hospital main reception between 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Weekly bag packing days take place every Tuesday.

For more information, email foodbankvolunteershv@gmail.com