Foodbanks around Kenilworth and Warwick have seen a 20 per cent rise in demand this year, according to data released by the Trussel Trust.

Between April 1 and September 30, 3,797 emergency food parcels were given to residents in Warwick district.

In the same time period in 2021, 3,141 parcels were distributed.

The data shows that since 2017 the number of locals using food banks has more than doubled.

And across the eight foodbanks in Warwick district run by the Trussel Trust, 1,335 emergency food parcels were given to children between April and September - the most the region has ever recorded.

The charity said for the first time, need for emergency food is outstripping donations as the cost of living emergency is leading to a "drastic" increase in the number of people turning to food banks for support.

Trussel Trust chief executive Emma Revie said: "These new statistics show that, even in summer months, people are struggling to afford the essentials and we are expecting that this winter will be the hardest yet for food banks and the people they support. This is not right.

"We know that with the right support and a stable and sufficient income, people don't need to turn to food banks for support. Over the last few years, the government has acted to protect people who are struggling, and this action has made a difference.

"They must now act again: with swift support now to help people through the winter, and with vision for the longer-term to ensure that social security is always enough to weather challenging times."