Suffolk’s Euro MP donated a basket of festive shopping to launch a seasonal community food drive at the Asda store in Bury St Edmunds.

Alex Mayer visited the Western Way store on Friday to launch the store’s ‘Fight Hunger’ campaign by unveiling a new Christmas sign at the shop’s collection point behind the checkouts.

Customer donations will go to foodbank Storehouse, which gives away bags of food, toiletries and nappies through agencies to people in need.

Speaking after the launch, Ms Mayer said: “Thank you to everyone donating food today. For some families just putting food on the table is a struggle.

“But the truth is that anyone can suddenly find themselves going hungry, when something unexpected happened, an illness, redundancy or the boiler breaking, and they are thrown into crisis.

“I’m very pleased to be launching this great initiative in Bury - one that has a real effect on the local community. The reality is, though, that the fifth biggest economy in the world should not be relying so heavily on food banks as we do. “

Stocks are especially low on powdered milk, tinned meat and biscuits, and donations of these items are especially welcome.

Michelle Frost, Asda community champion, said: “It’s great to have Alex Mayer MEP here to launch our ‘Fight Hunger’ campaign locally here in Bury in the run-up to Christmas.

“Our efforts rely on the kindness and generosity of our customers and we appreciate Alex’s support today.”