THE NUMBER of people using a charity to help put food on the table has soared by 49 per cent, with more and more children using the service.

Volunteers at the Peeblesshire Foodbank say that in the last fortnight they have handed out double the amount of provisions than they have taken in from collection points.

And the organisation reckons the number of children being helped has rocketed by 79 per cent over the past year, as the cost of living crisis deepens.

Now the group is launching a campaign in a bid to raise awareness in parliament of the situation being faced by households across the country.

The foodbank has printed 1,500 postcards for people to sign and send to their local MP.

Volunteers will have a stall outside the Tontine Hotel in Peebles all day tomorrow (Saturday) where members of the public can pick up one and add their support.

Katrina Malone, the campaign organiser for the foodbank, said: “We’re hoping people will fill in their postcard on Saturday and either post it off or give it to us to deliver.

“We believe that all of us should have enough money to cover the cost of essentials that keep us fed, warm and dry.

“ This autumn our community needs you to call for a stronger social security system that supports people every day, not just in times of national crisis.

“Come on down to the stall to say hello, and let’s start making our voices heard.”

The UK Government said earlier this year it would provide £37 billion of support, "targeted at those who are most in need".

It said: "The government understands that many people are worried about the impact of rising prices, with many of the most vulnerable households struggling to make their incomes stretch to cover the basics.

"That’s why we are providing £37 billion of support this year, targeted at those who are most in need.

"The package will see millions of the most vulnerable households receive at least £1,200 of support in total this year to help with the cost of living, with all domestic electricity customers receiving at least £400 to help with their bills."

The Peeblesshire Foodbank postcard campaign is being delivered as part of the Trussell Trust’s fight to end the need for foodbanks.

Anyone who would like a postcard and can’t make it to the Tontine, should email Katrina@peeblesshire.foodbank.org.uk for information about where to pick one up.

The group delivers nutritional packages to cover three days.

Collection points are available at all supermarkets in the area and cash donations are also welcomed.

They need coffee, UHT milk, dried potatoes such as smash, rice, lentils and curry sauce.