ALARMING new figures have revealed Largs Foodbank handed out more food parcels to starving residents in the first five months of this year than for the whole of 2018.

Volunteers reached the 330 parcels donated during the last 12 months by the time they reached May.

The local foodbank, located within Clark Memorial Church, say Largs is continuing to feel the 'devastating' effects of Universal Credit roll out.

Michael Hynds is one of the only remaining original volunteers since the foodbank was created in 2014.

He says reliance on their help has increased year on year.

He told the News: "People are struggling to deal with debt and juggling bills and rent - which often means food coming last.

"We have definitely seen a higher volume of people this year compared to 2018.

"There are days when we see 15 people in need of food packages in a single day."

The News previously reported how increased demand has seen a separate service opening on Cumbrae.

Michael says that the team of locals volunteers are well equipped to meet the demand thanks to generous donations.

He added: "People in the area are very kind and we have a fair amount of beans and pastas stored up now.

"When people think of a foodbank they just think of food, but we also have things like toiletries, shampoos, soaps and house cleaning products. These are the things really that we need more of.

"We also need donations of cat and dog foods, some people come in and they just want to be able to feed their pet."

The voluntary service is also accepting donations for Christmas hampers which will be made to provide some much-needed festive cheer.

Whilst the team is always happy to accept donations, Michael says they are also in need of people's time.

He said: "We used to have an incredible amount of volunteers but we have slowly lost them for one reason or another.

"We now need people to volunteer their time if possible to help us.

"We are open on Thursdays from noon to 5pm and any help would be greatly received."

People can contact the foodbank about volunteering opportunities via their Facebook page or by dropping in to the centre.

Anyone in need of emergency food can contact the team at 07482508875.