The Erith distribution centre of Bexley Foodbank received a visit from a bishop and a local councillor as it opened a new reception area.

The Right Reverend Brian Castle, Bishop of Tonbridge and Coun Edward Boateng attended the centre in Queen Street Baptist Church, Queen Street, on Thursday (March 25).

The new reception area is housed in a porta-cabin site office donated by Erith Group Ltd, and sits alongside a vandal proof storage container provided by Wates, the Erith Park developers, used as a food storage area. 

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Rev Ian Pearce with Gill Bates, manager of Foodbank for Bexley borough

Rev Ian Pearce of Queen Street Baptist Church said: "This distribution centre is a success for the town of Erith.

"The churches have begun something which is drawing in lots people to help, both those who go to church and those who don’t alike. 

"The people of Erith are generous and should be proud of how, together, we help those in crisis."

The foodbank's aim in Bexley is to provide emergency food aid and support to those who are facing a crisis.

In the last year the amount of people depending on Bexley Foodbank has nearly doubled from 2,211 in 2013/14 to 4,397 in 2014/15. 

The Erith distribution centre is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10am until 1pm.