GOLDEN Square Shopping Centre is appealing to its shoppers to donate a variety of food, toiletries, winter clothing and pet supplies, as it partners with the town’s foodbank for the festive season.

Until Sunday, December 30, shoppers and staff of Golden Square are invited to donate non-perishable items at the drop-off point at the centre’s customer service desk near Starbucks.

Items can include tinned tuna, pasta, confectionery, baby food, bottled water, shampoo, sanitary products, dog food, as well as woolly hats and gloves.

Ian Cox, centre director at Golden Square, said: “According to statistics, a fifth of people in the UK live below the poverty line and last year foodbank use rose by 17 per cent.

“At Warrington Foodbank alone, the team gave out 4,892 emergency food packs to local people in crisis in 2017, which are filled with supplies to last three days.

“With these statistics and the need for foodbanks increasing, we felt it was essential to start collecting, especially during this time of year, and the customer service team has done a fantastic job setting up the drop-off point, so it’s really easy for our shoppers and centre staff to donate.

“We’re asking our generous shoppers to donate any non-perishable items and winter accessories, which will go towards helping the vulnerable and people at risk of hunger in the local area."

Manager of Warrington Foodbank, David McDonald, said: “Here at Warrington Foodbank we’re delighted to be partnering with Golden Square during this festive time. We continue to try and help those people who find themselves in a state of crisis all year round and especially at this time of year. Thank you to Golden Square for its support and dedication.”