A Peebles parish came to the rescue of a local Foodbank – handing over its church hall to help it cope with rocketing demand.

The Trussell Trust project experienced an 85 per cent increase in demand for food during lockdown, meaning it could no longer operate effectively in its unit in the town’s Cavalry Park

Father Tony Lappin, of St Joseph’s Church, welcomed the Foodbank to his parish’s spacious neighbourhood centre to help it get back on track.

Fr Lappin, who is also chair of the Foodbank, said: “Catholic social teaching calls us to take seriously our responsibilities to society and speaks of the importance of holding a preferential option for the poor. Our response as a parish to assist the foodbank during these times is wholly in line with that teaching.”