WARRINGTON Foodbank has issued an emotional plea urging residents to support families 'in crisis' ahead of Christmas.

The charity, which has its main outlet located on Cairo Street, is asking the public to help bring some cheer to families and individuals in need by donating festive items and food.

Volunteers are hoping to collect enough food to allow them to provide additional treats to people, along with the three-day emergency food parcels handed out.

The organisation said families and individuals 'in crisis' have been identified by almost 90 frontline care workers and professionals including health visitors, social workers, teachers and doctors, as well as The Salvation Army and Citizens Advice Bureau.

Warrington Foodbank's project manager David McDonald added: "Christmas is a really tough time to be hungry.

"It is heartbreaking to feel that you can't give your children a treat when everyone else is celebrating.

"With the generosity of Warrington's people we will be able to give out Christmas foods and we are looking forward to filling our shelves with goodies."

Donations can be dropped off to the foodbank's warehouse at Tanning Court in Howley, or arrangements can be made to pick up larger donations.

For more information visit warrington.foodbank.org.uk.