TEN years after a Cockermouth vet ignored negative comments about setting up a foodbank in town, the venture is celebrating a decade of supporting those most in need.

Andrew Robinson met with some opposition when he first mooted the idea.

The North Lakes Foodbank has gone from strength to strength, growing every year and now running six centres throughout Allerdale and Copeland.

More than 180 volunteers are involved and one ton of food is handed out every week.

Mr Robinson said: "I founded it because I wanted to do something for my community, using the vehicle of churches in the town, and see how we could support the most needy and vulnerable on our doorstep.

"I was quite shocked to see the conditions in which people were living.

"A lot of these people have no hope and future and feel people do not care."

He is delighted that people have supported the venture so wholeheartedly - either by volunteering or donating food.

"When I first had the idea people said there was no need and that it was a waste of time," said Mr Robinson.

"I had some quite negative phone calls from people.

"Once we got past that and opened in Cockermouth other towns got in touch to say they would like to be involved."

The first few months proved more dramatic than expected.

"We set up three weeks before the November 2009 floods, during which all the food originally collected was destroyed when our Cockermouth warehouse was flooded," said Mr Robinson.

It has gone from helping six people when it first opened to to now helping 114 people a week.

It handles approximately one ton of food each week.

"Virtually every item is given by an individual - in a shop, business, church or school," said Mr Robinson, whose wife, Jane is treasurer.

"We have to acknowledge the wonderful people of this area who, over the years as demand has risen, have helped us meet that demand."

The venture could not exist without the volunteers.

"They are the life blood of the foodbank and do everything, from sorting and packing food, driving the Foodbank van, doing the accounts to making cups of tea and giving a listening ear to those in crisis," he said.

"It's very humbling to see these people give up their time to give something back."

The foodbank marked the recent volunteers' week by holding a barbecue for all their helpers at its centres in Cockermouth, Wigton, Maryport, Workington, Whitehaven and Egremont.

The Harlequin Choir will be staging a free concert tonight at 7.30pm, Lorton Street Methodist Church. Guests are asked to make a foodbank donation.

Food parcels contain at least three days’ supply of non-perishable foods.

Mr Robinson has mixed feelings about the 10th anniversary.

"It's good and it's bad. No one thought we would need foodbanks for this length of time and there would be this increase in demand. Levels have gone up year on year," said Mr Robinson.

"But we're delighted that we have been able to plug that gap and help those most in need.

"When you feel at rock bottom there are people here wanting to get you back on your feet.

"As long as there's a need we will be there."

For more details go to: www.thefoodbank.org.uk