A FOOD bank collection has been held in Porthmadog to help people in need.

It was held at Capel y Porth with the food collected going to food bank centres in Barmouth and Caernarfon. The centres then distribute food and goods to those who need it throughout the region including Porthmadog.

Claire Owen, who is an independent housing worker for the charity, Shelter Cymru, organised the collection day in Porthmadog to gather much-needed items but also raise awareness of the work the food banks do in the area.

She said: “I organised this collection day after I provided a lift for a client in the Caernarfon area on the Friday between Christmas and new year and really saw the need for the distribution centre to have support and raise awareness.

“I went back to the office and made a comment on social media about supporting the local food bank centres and to raise their profile.

“Lots of friend and family commented about wanting to help, but didn’t know how or where to donate, following these comments I decided to arrange a day.

“Social media friends who own a business in Port high street offered to be drop-off points so people could leave items them I could pass on to both Barmouth and Caernarfon distribution centres.”