IT is the time of goodwill to all men and the saying has never been truer than at the North Cotswold Foodbank as more people than ever flock there for help this Christmas.

The number of people using the foodbank has increased by 50 per cent each month and in the run-up to Christmas the importance of the service is clear.

James Milton, founder of the foodbank, said they had seen three times as many people as usual in the week before Christmas.

“It’s been drastically busier,”

he said. “We have just had our busiest morning ever at Moreton. We had 13 households during one session.

We normally have about four.

“This Christmas we have been much busier that last year. It’s a symptom of what’s going on.”

Demand for the foodbank, which has outlets in Bourton- on-the-Water, Moreton, Chipping Campden and Winchcombe, is steadily increasing and there has been a 50 per cent increase on the same period last year.

But Mr Milton said the festive season is particularly bad, although they have been able to give a little extra to those they are helping after stocking up well in advance.

“Christmas is a time of particular cost to families and if you have children and want a little bit extra and nice things at Christmas that’s an extra strain,” he said.

“We are finding a number of the agencies we are working with are giving people help at Christmas. Of course, it is also a time when fuel bills are high. It’s everything all at once.

“But we have had boxes of chocolates and extra presents as well to give out. The public support has been very strong.”

To receive help from the foodbank, you must be referred by a partner agency.