A foodbank has issued an urgent appeal for donations in order to feed needy families over the summer holidays.

Braintree Area Foodbank's stocks are running low because of extremely high demand at the moment.

In particular, an urgent appeal has been issued for items like long-life milk, tinned meat, cereal, tinned vegetables, instant mash and tinned rice pudding.

Coffee, sugar, cereal bars, packet custard, sponge puddings, tea bags and rice are also needed.

It isn't just food the foodbank is running low on either, with supplies of shower gel, deodorant, baby wipes, toilet rolls, nappies, washing powder and pet food also running low.

Vanessa Green, PR manager at Braintree Area Foodbank, said: "We are seeing an increasing number of people who are on low incomes and for families this may get worse through the summer holidays.

"We have fed over 1,300 people since April with over 500 being children.

"I think everyone will agree that this level of food poverty is a major issue facing the Braintree District."

Donations should be made at libraries in Braintree, Halstead and Witham.