The North Coast foodbank, based in Largs, is appealing for help from the community as they are still on the look-out for new premises.

Earlier this year, the Citizen Advice Bureau in Boyd Street closed, but the foodbank inside was allowed to stay open as the actual bureau lease continued until August.

The foodbank is open on Thursdays from 12-6pm, and have a regular collection point at the Largs Co-operative Food store on Gallowgate Street.

And the voluntary group are now on the look-out for help for a new premises, and have made another appeal through the 'News'.

Volunteer Frances McGinlay said: "First of all, it is important to thank the people of Largs and surrounding area who continue to contribute to the foodbank - their help has been amazing.

"We can't thank them enough.

"We have been looking at a number of premises to move to in Largs, but while people are eager to help, the problem is that we need storage.

"The Citizens Advice Bureau lease ends in August, before reverting back to North Ayrshire Council, and we are continuing in talks with various parties concerning moving to a new premises, but storage tends to be the stumbling block."

Frances has been a volunteer at the foodbank during the past year, and said that some of the stories have been heart-breaking, with some people going through some tough circumstances, and says that the service is essential.

She said: "We just want to help people get their lives sorted out. We have had great help from the community. We are independent, and have our own insurance, and Largs people give us their food, and we are not there to judge anybody who comes in, and we just hand it on."

Frances added that the positive spirit which can be provided has resulted in users of the foodbank returning to the Citizens Advice Bureau to hand in shopping bags once their own personal circumstances have improved. She said: "It is something which can make a real difference to someone else's life, even if it is just for a short time."

People who are in need can obtain a voucher from the Brooksby Health Centre in Largs, and the emergency no. for anyone struggling outside our official hours is 07482 508875."

There are nine people who volunteer for the North Coast foodbank committee which serves Largs, Fairlie, West Kilbride and Skelmorlie.

If you can help in terms of a new premises, please phone Frances on 07854 100 758.