PEOPLE have helped boost the stocks of Bicester Food Bank by donating almost two tonnes of groceries.

Volunteers braved the cold to stand outside Tesco, in Pingle Drive, and collect supplies.

And the food bank will get a double donation whammy as Tesco has promised to contribute 30 per cent of donations in vouchers.

Generous shoppers donated 1.831 tonnes of tins, packets, biscuits and dry foods to the charity, which has so far helped about 1,000 people in Bicester since April.

Organiser Janet Ray, inset, said: “I just want to say a big thank-you to people, they were just so generous.

“We asked for one tin and people brought bagfuls, people you knew who couldn’t afford a lot made donations, and one woman gave us £50.

“We were so overwhelmed.”

Mrs Ray said the number of people being helped by the foodbank was rising.

The foodbank is organising a Christmas lunch for people on their own on Christmas Day or families in need. To book a place call Mrs Ray on 01869 357181.