A GROUP of residents and church representatives are looking to set up a food bank in West Craven.

A meeting was held in July to discuss the possibility of setting one up to benefit residents in Barnoldswick and Earby who are struggling.

Suzanne Hawthorn, from Earby, is leading a working group looking into the food bank.

She said: “We’d like to support an existing service or do one ourselves for the residents of West Craven. We want to provide food in a sustainable way, rather than just being a quick fix.

“Even if we help only 50 people, that’s 50 people who we’ve helped.

“We’ve already spoken with children’s centres and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, who both work with needy families.” Churches involved in Hope Barlick and the Earby and District Churches Together have shown an interest in establishing a food bank.

“It’s also about these organisations getting together and doing something together,” added Suzanne, who has been involved in collecting food and distributing Christmas hampers.

David Hartley, a member of St Peter’s Methodist Church in Earby, said: “This is an initiative between Barnoldswick and Earby and I think it’s an excellent idea. In general, we are seeing examples of people being short of money and food, even in this area.”

Vera Cocker, a member of All Saints Church in Earby, also believes there is need for establishing a food bank in West Craven.

She said: “We’re all for it, but it’s very, very sad that we’ve had to think about doing something like this.”