THE Hereford Food Bank received a warm welcome to its new premises at a recent open day.

The food bank recently moved out of a portacabin in the Bishop’s Palace to Aubrey Street, where there is more room for the collecting, storing and packaging of food, which is given to those who can’t afford to feed themselves and their families for various reasons.

Around 35 people turned up on June 15 to learn more about how the food bank is run, including the Mayor of Hereford, Phil Edwards, and the Bishop Anthony Priddis.

Alison Russell, the food bank administrator, said: “The official opening went very well. There was a lovely turn out of people and the Bishop gave a brief talk about the food bank and the poverty it responds to, including the impact of the Welfare reforms, and gave us all his blessing.

”We want to thank everyone for coming.”

Items most needed include tinned foods and hygiene essentials such as toothpaste and soaps, and can be delivered to various places in the city, including the Hereford Times office, Hereford Cathedral, All Saints’ Church or the diocesan office at the Bishop’s Palace.

For more information call social responsibilities officer Jackie Boys on 01432 37331.