A FOOD donation club that has doubled its attendances since opening its doors has been described as a ‘lifeline’.

Volunteers at Feed The Needy, based at the Saheli Centre in Accrington, said they are seeing a rise in families as well as individuals using the service.

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Because of this Cllr Mohammad Ayub described the service as fantastic for the community.

He said: “The group is doing extremely well and it’s helping lots of people who really need it.

“It’s a real community lifeline offering a brilliant service in Hyndburn.”

The curry club runs every Sunday, providing those who are homeless or on the poverty line with a hot meal.

Feed The Needy opens its doors to those who are in need of a ‘decent meal’.

Hamida Mahmood, volunteer at the Charter Street venue, said: “We have doubled in service users since we opened just over a year ago.

“We can not believe the number of people who are struggling with eating nutritious meals.

“People should not have to struggle like this in this day in age.”

The club runs weekly from 1.30pm and the volunteers also give out food parcels.

Between 30 and 40 people pass through the doors and Hamida said that the club welcomes new and old faces.

Hamida said: “We provide a therapeutic and relaxing environment and we have the experts who work with these people and offer support and help rather than just feed them and send them on their way.

“We work with them on issues such as housing and benefits and much more.

Feed the Needy is a Bahja Initiative an organisation which aims to bring about positive changes in the Accrington community through Islamic principles.

Donations of food are regularly needed according to Hamida, who said:”We are always looking for extra donations of tins and hearty foods around this time of year.

“Please take a moment to think about those who are in need and about those who will benefit from a kind donation of warm food as the weather gets colder. And for those who want to use the service please do not hesitate whatever your circumstances, everybody is welcome.”