As Mother’s Day approaches, Colchester Foodbank has launched an appeal for donations to help mums and children in the local area.

The foodbank’s interim manager Michael Beckett said: “Every day at the foodbank we meet mums from across Colchester, Wivenhoe, and Brightlingsea and the surrounding areas, who share heartbreaking stories about struggling to afford food for the family.

“No mum should feel like they have let their children down because something outside their control, like illness or a delayed benefit payment, has thrown the family into crisis. Whatever you are able to give this Mother’s Day will help local mums who are struggling to know that there are people who care.”

To help Colchester Foodbank, including Brightlingsea and Wivenhoe Foodbanks, you can drop off food in collection boxes at local supermarkets or donate via the website.