A HAMPSHIRE MP volunteered at a food bank to meet users and learn about the centre.

Fareham and Gosport Basics Bank is managed by the Friends of the Homeless, a Christian-based charity, and was established in 1991 as a way of giving shelter and clothing to people.

Since then it has developed into a 24-hour direct access centre with 16 beds and began operating as a food bank in 2003.

And centre manager invited Fareham MP Suella Fernandes in to learn about the services offered and help out.

She said: "I am passionate about fighting poverty and social inequality. It's one of the reasons I believe in aspiration and am a Conservative.

"However, dependency and disempowerment sadly still exist and Fareham and Gosport's Basics Bank on Westbury Road is an example of how charities are helping those in need.

"I was kindly hosted by Phil Rutt, who told me all about the basics bank. I helped to sort tins with the team and met some of the users of the service."