STRUGGLING residents across Flintshire will be able to enjoy a festive treat this year thanks to donations made to a food bank.

Flintshire Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

Andy Leake, who started Flintshire Foodbank in 2012, explained that those who rely on the organisation's support this Christmas can look forward to a little additional festive treat.

Parcels from the food bank are generally made to last three to five days and contain essentials for breakfast, lunch and dinner over that time.

Mr Leake, chair of trustees at the food bank, explained: "It includes breakfast cereal, milk, sugar, tinned meat, vegetables, potatoes, pasta, sauce, rice - all of the staples we would normally find in peoples cupboards. We put extras in like toiletries as well.

"Our parcel would usually be the basic, but given that its over the Christmas period there's going to be extras and more than people need in there.

"People have been extremely generous with Christmas items like puddings, chocolate, selection boxes and items specifically for Christmas.

"So we give those in addition to the normal food parcel that we would give to an individual or a family.

"Most families with children have had a selection box for every child this year.

"I think everyone that has contributed is amazing."

In addition to the festive treat bags, Bryn Coch School in Mold donated a stack of shoeboxes filled with food which will also be given out on top of the regular food parcels this Christmas.

Mr Leake said: "We don't stick to the rules of the Trussel Trust - we are more flexible and more generous.

"We're working really hard to make sure Christmas is a really special time for people who come to the food bank.

"We're open until Christmas eve so if you're stuck and need help we would love to see you.

"We're open again not long after Boxing Day during our usual sessions so please come and get some food if you need it. We really want to help you.

"Just to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated over the Christmas period, we're really grateful.

"Our desire is that no person in Flintshire goes hungry this Christmas."

Flintshire Foodbank has seven centres across the county. They are located in Shotton, Mold, Buckley, Holywell, Connah's Quay, Flint and Saltney.

To find out more, visit: https://flintshire.foodbank.org.uk