The business community in Honiton has come together to offer a helping hand to the town’s food bank this Christmas.

Midweek Herald: Alan Rowe MBE and his wife Pauline present the much-needed donations to Teresa Hawkes, the co-ordinator of the King's Centre Food Bank.Alan Rowe MBE and his wife Pauline present the much-needed donations to Teresa Hawkes, the co-ordinator of the King's Centre Food Bank. (Image: Archant)

Alan Rowe MBE, of Alan Rowe Barbering, was inspired to help the King’s Centre Food Bank after reading the Midweek Herald’s appeal last week.

Using the Barbershop Charity Fund, which is supported by customer and staff donations, he purchased £150 worth of food items last Saturday.

This was aided by The Co-operative in Lace Walk, who gave Mr Rowe a generous discount on the products.

“We are really pleased to join other caring people in the town who support the brilliant initiative, King’s Centre Food Bank,” says Mr Rowe. “Lets keep showing everyone what a caring town we are lucky to live in.

“Heartfelt thanks to our customers who have supported the shops staff and its charity fund, and also to Mick Alphonse, the manager of the Honiton Co-operative and his staff for a most generous discount, meaning that our money went a great deal further.”

Mr Alphonse added: “It is absolutely amazing to be able to help especially at this time of the year when it is difficult for families in Honiton and the surrounding areas

“For the Co-operative being able to support the community and support families in the area is important and we will continue doing that and supporting people like Alan. It is about the community coming together to support each other.”

The food was presented to Teresa Hawkes, the co-ordinator of the King’s Centre Food Bank.

Donations of food items for Christmas baskets are being sought such as mince pies, Yule logs, soft drinks and Christmas biscuits.

The Co-operative in Lace Walk has a collection point for donations for the food bank.