A record number of local residents of all ages were helped by Cardigan Foodbank during the festive period.

Manager Phil Buckman said approximately 30% more people relied on the service in the run up and during Christmas and New Year.

He said: "Including the organisations that received food from us to support their own clients we have handed out in the region of 1,000 kilos of food over the past four to five weeks. That is around half of the food we collected at the last Tescos collection at the beginning of December, without which, along with the incredible generosity of many others that give to us, we would not survive and many would have to go without.”

Cardigan Foodbank now serves people from beyond Aberaeron and Newcastle Emlyn, and as far south as Fishguard and Goodwick.

Food parcels were handed out during the recent "Eat and Heat" appeal, to help those facing a choice between heating their homes and buying food.

Phil said: "Our concern is if and when we get a cold snap, many people are going to struggle. It's important for everyone to look out for those that are truly in need. If a parcel of food will help them and thereby let them keep warm at the same time, we want to hear about them."

Cardigan Foodbank is located in New Life Christian Centre, Quay Street.

The time and dates for collecting food parcels in exchange of a food voucher issued by one of the affiliated agencies has now changed.

The Foodbank is now open on Monday and Friday, 10pm to 4pm. Call 07870 913960, or the Church Centre on 01239 615864, email: info@cardigan.foodbank.org.uk or by message on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cardiganfoodbank

All information, communication and requests received are dealt with in confidence.