Bexley Foodbank has thanked the public as it continues to appeal for donations after 'heavy demands' left them in short supply.

Recently Bexley Council helped share a plea for donations, saying that food supplies were dangerously low.

The statement said that without further donations, some banks wouldn't be able to open.

However, despite low supply levels, Gillian Bates, who runs the bank, said despite an urgent need for donations, they are not at closing point.

Gill told News Shopper: "We are now going into our harvest period, where schools across the borough donate very generously.

"The lead up to Christmas is one of our busiest times."

Bexley Foodbank has fed more than 7,000 last year and since April this year, it has already fed more than 3,385 people in need.

However, without the help of locals, they cannot continue to help and see people though times of crisis.

The foodbank is run by volunteers and offers an opportunity for people to talk about their situation, and signposts them to support services.

Gill said that the constant battle of funding will always pose an issue to foodbanks.

She said: "The demand continues to grow, we cater to so many people, who each need different things."

In August the bank was given a much needed boost.

With concern rising over how the charity will match the high levels of demand, the south east London branch has been given £5,000 by the Trade Union Fund Management Services and Old Bexley and Sidcup Labour group.

Gill said that they need a greater range of donations, despite having a huge mass of certain products, others just go quicker than they are getting them in.

Schools across the borough are said to have been so generous and getting the word out of social media has caused a spike in donations.

Gill said that it's all about exposure, if people don't know there is an issue or see that there is a problem then they don't think to help.

It is all about knowing how much stock you have and where it needs distributing most urgently.

Gill said: "You just don't know how fast the supplies will go down, but with Christmas coming, it is our busiest time."

If you wish to donate you can click here.

The link will detail how and where you can donate, or how to sign up to volunteer at this busy time.

The following items are desperately needed, soup, tinned beans and spaghetti , long life milk, tinned fruit and veg, pasta sauce, men’s and women’s deodorant, shower gel and rice pudding but all donations are welcome.