Workers at Carlisle’s Cavaghan and Gray have been doing their bit to help feed the city’s vulnerable.

The management team at the Durranhill site give out vouchers as a thank you to their staff. But rather than keeping them, hundreds of workers decided to spend the vouchers in the factory shop and then donate the items they bought to local foodbanks.

Cavaghan and Gray, owned by 2 Sisters Food Group, launched an urgent appeal for staff last month to help it keep up with a surge in demand as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The firm said: “2 Sister Food Group has made sure that, as well as helping to feed the nation, it has also delivered much-needed cheer to thousands of NHS staff and charitable organisations.”

Ronald Kers, 2 Sisters Food Group chief executive, said: “We’re proud to play a big role in helping to feed the nation during this time of crisis.

“But as a large food business making different products at many locations across the UK, we are also delighted to be able to put a smile on people’s faces during such difficult times.

“It is simply amazing that our local teams have decided to give something back to the communities in which they work.

“Whether it’s Fox’s Biscuits for many NHS trusts or care homes, or a local food bank or other charity organisations, it’s really humbling to see our colleagues rallying in such challenging times to say a simple ‘thank you’ to those that need it most.”

The Cavaghan and Gray food production factory is based in Brunel Way.

In 2018 it won a major contract to supply M&S, creating 200 jobs.