A community foodbank in Braunstone Town has received a cash donation from a leading regional housebuilder to help continue its work.

Braunstone Community Life Foodbank has been awarded £1,000 through the Persimmon Homes North Midlands Community Champions scheme. The national match-funding initiative seeks to support groups and charities working to improve the quality of life or environment across the region. Lin Burrows, on behalf of the foodbank, said: “I can't tell you what this will mean to our community!

“Since the start of lockdown, my son and I have been giving out food parcels to people in the community who have lost their jobs or are in reduced circumstances. Now, based at the council offices, we have wonderful volunteers and help so many people on a weekly basis.

“The youngest person we help is 7 months old and the oldest we support is 88, providing a meal a day with as much meat, vegetables and fruit as we can.

“The online application for this funding was so quick and easy to complete and we are totally reliant on the generosity of the public and donations such as this one from Persimmon, so this £1,000 is so gratefully received.”

Nadine O’Dowd, sales director for Persimmon Homes North Midlands, said: “Braunstone Community Life Foodbank does fantastic work with the community and has proved to be a vital service to residents throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

“If people were unsuccessful in their Community Champions application, we urge them to visit the Persimmon Homes website and to try again and hopefully they will become our next recipient.”