A FOODBANK and distribution centre which was made homeless last month has a new base.

The Raft Foundation has relocated to Hardmans Business Centre in Rawtenstall after a generous offer from the owners to grant them the space free of charge for 12 months.

The foodbank store was previously located in Haslingden Market but in July, Haslingden Town Council said the foundation would have to vacate the premises to make way for a new tenant.

Nicola Johnstone, a PA at Hurstwood, which runs the business centre, spoke to Mark Stapleton from The Raft Foundation and then asked company chairman, Stephen Ashworth.

Nicola said: “Being from Rossendale myself, I wanted to be in a position to support Raft and the work that they do.”

The Raft Foundation works with partner agencies to provide volunteer-lead services to the local community.

The foodbank project is now more popular than ever and around 25 emergency food parcels are delivered each week.

The Lancashire Telegraph is campaigning to back local foodbanks after uncovering how the shocking levels of food poverty in the region had lead to cases of malnutrition in children.

Mr Stapleton said: “The generosity and support of Hurstwood chairman Stephen Ashworth and the senior management team is overwhelming.

“Working with Hurstwood and developing continuing links within the local business community with many who already provide us with incredible support is an essential process in building sustainable development and will benefit of the whole community.

“On behalf of all those who support or benefit from The Raft Foundation we would like to thank Stephen Ashworth and Hurstwood for their generous gift.”

Mr Ashworth said: “We are delighted to offer our support to a Rossendale-based organisation and wish them every success in their continued efforts.

“Being founded in Rossendale, the work done by Raft has a deeper resonance as the company’s home is and will remain in the Valley.”