THEY may be keeping in shape, but Hampshire fitness enthusiasts are also donating spare food from their cupboards to help those less fortunate.

The Curves ladies’ fitness centre in Eastleigh has held its eighth annual food collection for the Basics Bank, with new members’ fees waived for a bags’ worth of perishables, and regulars giving numerous donations.

Further contributions came from Sainsbury’s store in Eastleigh and staff at the town’s Barclays branch.

In total more than 500lb of food has been donated so far.

The month-long collection ends on March 31.

Michelle Goodyear, manager at Curves, said: “It’s just a really good boost for them because I know how desperate they are for food.”

Anyone who wants to donate to the collection can drop off food at Curves, in Upper Market Street.