SPECSAVERS stores across Cheshire have raised thousands of pounds to support families in their local communities this Christmas.

Stores in Cheshire, including Northwich and Winsford, were overwhelmed after counting up the cash – raising a massive £7,098 in just a two-week window of fundraising for food banks based in their immediate communities.

The funds donated by the optical and audiology businesses were further topped up by donations from customers via a series of specially set up JustGiving pages.

Together with other Specsavers stores across the north west region, who made the same commitment, a grand total of over £25,000 was raised across the north west.

Salma Kamaluddin, director at the Northwich store, said: "We know what an incredibly difficult year it’s been for our local communities due to the impact of the pandemic. We see people from our nearby communities every day in our stores and hear their stories – it can be incredibly upsetting. So we feel very strongly about doing our bit to support them.

"The response from fellow stores across the region has been incredible and we have all been completely overwhelmed to learn how much has been raised.

"Funds raised will mean much needed grocery supplies can be bought to give directly to families in need in our communities, helping them to get through the festivities and school holidays with plenty to eat."

The donations are now being sent directly to independent foodbanks or through The Trussell Trust, which manages community food banks across the region, so Specsavers stores are able to support the communities closest to them.

Each store made an individual commitment to donate funds to a food bank in their neighbourhood, to ensure they are directly supporting residents and families close by.

Foodbank use has climbed significantly this year in the UK and food poverty continues to grow. As a result of the donations, it is hoped that food banks are able to provide even more support and wrap-around services to the increasing amounts of people being referred to them.