In a statement, Cllr Mike Johnson said: "We are delighted to be able to continue to offer support to the North Lakes Foodbank – a fantastic charity who do some amazing work with those most in need in our communities.

“In the summer we, alongside Cumbria County Council, provided funding to west Cumbria's foodbank to enable them to run a scheme called Summer Foodpacks – A Helping Hand. That scheme, which operated throughout Allerdale and Copeland, provided around 1,600 food packs to secondary school-aged pupils and was possible thanks to funding allocated to us by the Government to help support our local communities.

“We have agreed to continue to help the charity run a similar scheme over Christmas by providing much-needed volunteer assistance and are in dialogue about offering additional support this half-term and the festive period.

“We will continue to work closely with colleagues across central government, local government, community groups and the third sector to make sure no child in Allerdale goes hungry.”

For more information about the North Lakes Foodbank October half-term offer, in particular their 'Lunch Packs 4 Kids & Food Packs - A Helping Hand' scheme go to https://www.thefoodbank.org.uk/.

To find out what help is on offer across Cumbria with food, benefits, wellbeing and more go to https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/, or for specific support from Allerdale Borough Council go to https://www.allerdale.gov.uk/en/coronavirus/.