A FOODBANK has been ‘blown away’ by donations and support after more than 1,000 tins of food for the homeless were stolen.

Clothes, food and toiletries stored by community group Hyndburn Helpers were stolen from St James’ Church in Accrington earlier this week.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones, the Civic Arts Centre in Oswaldtwistle and other businesses have been collecting donations to help the group.

Volunteer Lisa Hilton said donations had been pouring in and she will add up the full amount on Monday.

She said: “It’s fantastic the number of people who have been offering to help.

“I’ve just been blown away by the kind generosity of everyone.

“Pledges have been coming in thick and fast for donations.

“We help people in Accrington, but now the people of Accrington are helping us.

“The whole community has been coming together, it is what’s needed in Accrington.”

More than 1,000 tins of food stolen from Accrington foodbank

The group meets every Monday and Wednesday at the church from 6.30pm to help those in need, and the next meeting will go ahead as planned.

The vicar of St James, the Rev Ian Enticott, has praised everyone who has been calling him directly with offers of assistance as well as others who have made similar calls to the Hyndburn Helpers.

He said: “I’m also thankful for the generosity of friends and strangers who have been calling with offers of help and assistance.“They have been coming in from all over the North West… from a foodbank in Manchester to a church in Maghull, Liverpool and the Salvation Army in Preston.

“It is very heartening.”

A collection point is also at Hyndburn MP Graham Jones’s constituency office in Abbey Street.

He said: “It was shocking to hear that the foodbank was broken into and had thousands of food tins stolen.”

“Any donation would be much appreciated.”

The list of donation points include Civic Arts Centre and Theatre and Garlands Florist in Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, Sugar Rush Soaps in Dutton Street and the Arden Inn in Abbey Street.

People can also contact the ‘Hyndburn Helpers’ group on Facebook.