‘Unprecedented’ snowfall has forced Honiton’s foodbank to close for the first time in its six-year history.

The King’s Centre Foodbank, off High Street, only opens on Tuesdays and Fridays, but co-ordinator Teresa Hawkes took an executive decision to close it today.

The only other time the bank would close is on holidays such as Easter and Christmas.

Today’s closure comes after East Devon was issued a red alert by the Met Office, meaning the current snowy weather poses a risk to life.

Teresa said: “This is the first time we have had to cancel the food bank.

“This weather has been unprecedented – with the usual snow we get, we can usually carry on but not this time.”

Teresa said the snow has made driving ‘absolutely horrendous’ for the food bank’s volunteers.

She added: “Even getting to the bank on foot is tricky – and if we got there, we wouldn’t know what is happening with the weather while we are there.

“We need to keep our volunteers safe, it is so important.”

Teresa said she is hoping for a thaw, which would see the food bank re-open its doors on Tuesday.

Even if the snow remains, she said one or two volunteers will be manning the centre regardless.