BIG-HEARTED staff and families have been thanked for donating food and essential supplies to help struggling families during this latest lockdown.

Staff at Brook Primary School in Wordsley asked parents and carers of children who attend the school to donate to its temporary food bank. Staff have also been generous in their donations.

The school hopes to use the food bank to support families in the area, who may be feeling the pinch during this challenging time.

The food bank is also open to the general community within the school’s location.

So far more than 100 items have been donated and a number of families have received parcels.

The school has also received support from local Tesco and Sainsburys stores, which have donated vouchers to the food bank.

Councillor Ruth Buttery, Dudley Council's cabinet member for children’s services, thanked all those who have donated so far and said: "This is a wonderful example of people coming together to support one another during these difficult and challenging times.

"This complements the work of the Black Country Food Bank across the borough and the support offered to families who receive free school meals."

Marie Fellows, headteacher at Brook Primary School, said: "One of our teachers approached me with the idea and we’ve been really pleased with the response we’ve had from staff and parents, who want to help others as much as they possibly can. These challenging times bring out the best in people.

"We do understand that it can be really difficult for people to ask for help but I would urge them to get in touch with us and I’d like to reassure them that it will all be dealt with as discreetly as possible.

"We hope the food we’ve collected will support those in our local community, but we will pass any items on to the Black Country Food Bank if we have items left."

People can donate by dropping items off at school or if anyone would like some support they can email the school at info@brook.dudley.sch.uk or call 01384 389888.