CHARITY bosses who made an impassioned plea for support after their food stores ran dry thanked the community after 'more than a year' worth of donations were received.

Earlier this month Hyndburn Helpers appealed in the Lancashire Telegraph for donations to be used in the food parcels they distribute to people in need.

Volunteers at the charity ahead of the appeal feared they would only have enough food for six parcels and may have to turn away people in dire straits.

However, the group said they had had a 'fantastic' response, with more than five van loads of food being delivered.

Lisa Hilton, one of four volunteers who run Hyndburn Helpers, said: "It's been absolutely fantastic, we've had an unparalleled level of donations.

"We've literally had enough food donated to us that would keep us going for a year.

"Everyone has been great, we've had vans coming with 60 boxes full of donations.

"It's just been out of this world the generosity we have seen."

The group, which meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at St James Church in Accrington, provides food and support to those in need, and welcomes up to 25 people at each meeting.

The group had two van loads of food dropped off by the Thomas project in Blackburn, and they have three more loads in storage for when it is needed.

Another van load of food was donated by the Masjid al Hidayah mosque in Blackburn on Wednesday.

Items donated in mass included cereal, pasta, biscuits, pot noodles, as well as treats such as sweets, macaroni and chess and microwave meals.

Extra volunteers had to be brought in by the group to help with the increased donations, more than doubling their regular amount of volunteers from four to 10.

The group also paid tribute to residents in Hyndburn who donated the majority of the tinned items received.

Mrs Hilton said: "We just can't thank everyone enough for what they've done.

"The Muslim community in particular in the area have been so generous in what they have given to us.

"It's really going to go and make a lot of difference to people in real need."

The group has been running for two and a half years and also provide clothing and care to those in need.

The group provide hot meals at their meetings thanks to donations from Balti House in Rishton, Home Run in Accrington and the end of day products from Greggs stores.