Recently, rallying calls have been issued by food banks throughout the North West asking for various items to be donated, and the region’s power network operator has responded.

After learning of the calls, Electricity North West colleagues from depots in Preston, Blackburn, Walkden and Warrington came together and collected thousands of items to help stop families going hungry over the summer holidays.

Items such as coffee, rice, tinned goods and non-perishables were collected and donated to the Penwortham Food Bank, Mustard Tree Food Bank, Little Hulton, The Trussel Trust in Blackburn and Manchester South Central Food Bank.

All of the food banks have connections to the respective Electricity North West depots.

Deborah Marshall, streetworks compliance and co-ordination manager for Electricity North West, said: “My colleague Donna Knowles heard pleas for food on the radio and in the local press. She came to me and we decided to start the collection.

“We are overwhelmed with the amount of food we have been able to collect for food banks throughout the North West.

“Foodbanks play a pivotal role in supporting families during difficult times, not just in the summer, but throughout the year, they’re a valuable asset to the community and something that is there for families at a time of need.

“Colleagues at Electricity North West are passionate about supporting local families and the community and it was really pleasing to see people come forward and help out.”

Earlier this year, colleagues at Electricity North West came together and donated thousands of Easter Eggs to food banks in the region.