A volunteer-run service providing furniture and clothing to people in need has seen demand ‘go crazy’ since it began offering food.

The Community Treasure Chest (CTC) in Liskeard is located in the same building as the Foodbank on Barras Place.

But when the Foodbank is shut - or when people have already used their allowance of vouchers for a month, the CTC is now providing fresh and long-life foods. Sam Constance and her sisters, who run the organisation, say that since they installed a community fridge and freezer about a month ago, the demand has been constant.

‘We’ve had local people donate loads of stuff, like someone from an orchard that brought us a big box of apples,’ she said.

‘The Co-op has been donating. And we were able to do up five hampers with Christmas food for families with £50 that had been given to us.’

The initiative is also helping to reduce food waste, says Sam: the Foodbank will pass through any fresh food it still has before it shuts, and local shops and individuals can donate food close to its date, knowing it will be used.

Community Treasure Chest will be open tomorrow (Christmas Eve) between 12noon and 1pm.