ANDOVER Foodbank is extending its opening hours in the lead up to Christmas, as a result of increased demand.

From Saturday, October 24, a weekend session has been added to the food bank's schedule, running between 9:30am and 12pm every Saturday.

The food bank will also continue to open 9:30am to 12pm Monday - Friday, but will remain closed on Sundays.

In its Autumn newsletter, the charity said: "This time of year is always a little busier, as we see families that have made it through the summer start to struggle as they have to pay for new school shoes and uniforms. Then the weather turns and energy bills creep up.

"The additional session is to help people who may not be able to access us during the week due to lack of transport, childcare or working hours. We are open for donations and for box collections.

"We expect these to be run until Christmas and possibly through until next spring."

Based at St John the Baptist RC Church, on Alexandra Road, the community resource is part of a UK-wide network supported by The Trussel Trust, and provides emergency food boxes to people in crisis in and around Andover.

Last winter, it was able to distribute over 900 Christmas boxes to children and families in need, and hopes to put together at least as many this year.

For more information on how to access the food bank's support, or how to donate, visit andover.foodbank.org.uk