ESSENTIAL supplies and chocolate treats were among the items collected by a former Royal Navy Warrant Officer for donation to the Liskeard Food Bank.

Gary Slater, who served in the Royal Navy for 38 years, collected 25 bags of non-perishable food donations from staff at HMS Raleigh. He also collected hats, scarves and gloves for homeless people, particularly those from the veteran community.

The 62-year-old now works at the Royal Navy training base in a civilian capacity for ESS, which provides services to the Defence and Government sector.

He said: “It’s been a difficult year for everyone and I thought that with so many people struggling with the effects of the pandemic, it would be nice to give something back and share some Christmas spirit with the local community. The continued generosity of civilian and service personnel at Raleigh in supporting me to help others is outstanding.”

In May 2020 Gary completed a six-hour run around the perimeter of HMS Raleigh, raising £2880 for the Cornwall Foundation Trust – Coronavirus appeal. At that time he also asked for donations of non-perishable food for the Food Bank distribution in Torpoint and handed over 166 kilos.