Organisers of a Christmas foodbank drive are asking the public to help them 'see off 2020 in style' by exceeding last year's donations to support struggling families this winter.

Southampton's branch of the trade union Unite works with anti-austerity campaign group SPAAA (Southampton People's Assembly Against Austerity) to raise funds and food to ensure nobody goes hungry at Christmas.

Donations are then distributed to people in need by local Christian group Southampton City Mission, which runs six food and clothes banks across the city.

Last year’s collection received thousands of food items and cash donations from the public to help those in need.

Joe Dukes, Chairperson of Southampton People’s Assembly said the need this year is even greater.

He said: "There's been a significant increase in people needing to use the foodbanks because of the redundancies that we're seeing across the city as a result of the pandemic.

"The government's latest spending review predicts unemployment will rise further to 7.5%.

"This means even more families will be plunged into debt and poverty over the coming months."

Amid widespread concern that foodbanks will become overwhelmed this winter, organisers are asking the public to donate at much as they can to this year’s Christmas foodbank appeal.

Mr Dukes said: "All donations, big or small, are warmly received and will make a real difference for the Southampton City Mission foodbank project."

People can arrange a collection of donations by emailing spaaa4ever@gmail.com.

The group will also be collecting each Saturday afternoon 12.30pm - 2pm during December at the following shops: Shirley precinct (5/12/20), ASDA Central (12/12/20), Sainsbury’s Portswood (19/12/20).

Mr Dukes added: "Merry Christmas everybody – Let’s ensure nobody goes hungry!"