An annual foodbank appeal for the Salvation Army was the most successful collection yet.

Egglescliffe Area Residents’ Association (EARA) arranges the foodbank collection at Egglescliffe Parish Hall each November.

It is for the Salvation Army in Stockton, which provides vulnerable families with food parcels over Christmas. The latest foodbank appeal was held on November 14 and was the most successful collection yet.

The public collection hub which has always been used has been Egglescliffe Parish Hall on Butts Lane. As with previous years, residents and businesses were asked to donate non-perishable goods.

This year, the method changed. EARA member, and Eaglescliffe East ward councillor Stefan Houghton arranged for an additional collection hub at the Eaglescliffe Methodist Church on Witham Avenue.

(Image: Contributor)

Cllr Houghton said: "The annual food bank collection organised by EARA is a fantastic initiative that has always done well. This is thanks to the generosity of local businesses and residents. However, I wanted to boost the appeal this year by making it easier for more of my residents to take part. More participation means more families who are struggling being helped this Christmas. I'm very grateful to the Eaglescliffe Methodist Church for their support."

Shane Sellers, EARA chairman, added: "The latest food bank appeal on November 14 was the best yet. Through the new partnership with the Eaglescliffe Methodist Church on Witham Avenue which Stefan arranged, more residents have been able to take part. We have also established new relationships with local businesses and schools which is also helping the appeal to grow."

Shane and Stefan dropped off the donations at the Salvation Army's Stockton premises on Friday. Major Ian Davis of the Salvation Army said: “We were blown away by the donation and massively grateful for the people’s kindness.”