ANDOVER company Sweet & Maxwell - part of Thomson Reuters - donated a cheque for £1,000 to the Andover Food Bank (AFB).

The company has previously supported the food bank by holding a popular food collection among employees and helping with business advice.

Julian Willis, of Sweet & Maxwell, presented the cheque to Pat Lavelle and Trevor Sleath of the Andover Food Bank.

"We have been delighted to support the AFB in their work to provide support to people in the local community who are facing challenging circumstances," he said.

"We would strongly encourage other local companies to get involved with fundraising activities and food collections."

Demand between January and July was up by 50 per cent on the same period last year. Worsening national and local economic circumstances have contributed to the extra demand and the trend looks set to continue.

Andover resident Trevor Sleath joined the team in July as the first paid employee. As project co-ordinator he runs the office and warehouse and is investigating further areas of work for the food bank. Trevor can be contacted on 01264 362111.

Trevor has been amazed by the diverse range of people the food bank helps within Andover'.