Kingston's foodbank volunteers have said demand for emergency food "remains high" and that working families on low incomes make up a large number of those seeking help.

Volunteers handed out 2,481 three-day supplies of food between April and September this year, a similar number as in the same period last year, and said they welcomed the leveling of demand after years of rising need.

Director Paul Pickhaver said: "Foodbank use in Kingston remains high, with an increase in the number of referrals with benefit issues and a high number of families, including those in work, where low income is the main issue.

"We are continuing to work with other agencies in the borough to ensure that people are put at the heart of policies as new welfare reform changes are implemented locally."

Mr Pickhaver has previously warned that low-income families on housing benefits could be forced out of the borough as the planned welfare cap bites.

Adrian Curtis, foodbank director at the Trussell Trust, of which Kingston foodbank is a part, said: "We’re seeing that hunger remains a major issue for low income families and individuals.

"We need to learn more from the realities of life for people struggling on low incomes and make sure that no incomes are too low to live on."

So far this year generous residents have donated 21 tonnes of food to the foodbank. But the organisation warned winter could see a rise in demand.

Volunteers said donations of instant mashed potato, long-life milk, long-life juice and small jars of coffee would be welcomed.

Donations can be dropped at the United Reform Church in Eden Street.