Ashby Foodbank has received 'high demand' items from East Midlands Airport to help in its coronavirus relief effort.

The foodbank, a church-led community organisation part of the Trussell Trust, supports residents in Ashby and surrounding villages.

Last month the airport created a Community Relief Fund, worth £26,500, which was overwhelmed with applications in the first week.

Many applications were received from local foodbanks - including Feed the Need Coalville - which have seen demand increase significantly in recent weeks.

The airport engaged its supply chain to purchase more than 41,000 essential 'high demand' items - such as toilet rolls, shower gel, porridge pots, biscuits and coffee - twice the amount that could have been bought at supermarket prices.

Chris Hayton, East Midlands Airport corporate affairs director, said: "Covid-19 has had a significant impact on all of us, but people who struggle in normal times have been pushed even further into hardship.

"This is why we launched our COVID-19 Community Relief Fund.

"The airport takes its role as a member of the local community very seriously and we're proud to have been able to set up this fund and make a real difference in the local area."

In addition to the bespoke package of support for foodbanks, this week the Community Relief Fund is awarding grants in excess of £10,000 to a numerous other community groups including those making scrubs for the NHS and providing bikes for key workers so they can continue to get to work without having to use public transport.

East Midlands Airport has now released a further £25,000 to support community groups.

The application form can be found here