People are being urged to get behind a massive effort to put food on the plates of West Cumbria's most deprived youngsters this summer.

The Times & Star and Sellafield Ltd have united to support a scheme that encourages people to donate a total of 17 tonnes of food, worth £28,000, to the area's North Lakes Foodbank.

Through its Holiday Lunchpacks 4 Kids project, the foodbank will then deliver to more than 600 disadvantaged children across the area this summer, at a time when there is extra financial pressure on families who usually rely on free school meals.

The foodbank will provide more than 280 local families with the special lunch packs. It will hand over one food parcel per week, to provide five days lunch for up to three children. This equates to 15 meals per week and 105 meals over the seven week holiday.

Helen Fisher, head of socio-economics at Sellafield Ltd said: “We urge everybody to support the amazing work which the North Lakes Foodbank does. I hope that by working together as a community we can make a difference to the lives of many disadvantaged families".

Local businesses such as Hartley's Ice Cream, Lake District Estates and the Beacon Museum at Whitehaven have also backed the campaign by donating activity vouchers to support the packs. 

Alan Burns, Copeland Pool and Fitness Centre manager said: “North Country Leisure is delighted to support the Holiday Lunchpack 4 Kids scheme with free access to leisure activities.

"This will enable children to participate in holiday programme activities at Copeland Pool and Fitness Centre, Whitehaven Sports Centre and also gives them access to outreach classes as part of the BeActive in the community programme.”

The foodbank will accept cash and food donations, and says the following food items can be donated.

Tinned corned beef or ham; tinned fish; tinned macaroni cheese; tinned spaghetti hoops; tinned ravioli; tinned peas; tinned carrots; tinned sweetcorn; instant mash potato packets; and cereal bar boxes.

Donations can be left at the following green appeal bin locations: 

Workington: Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Allerdale Council Offices, Impact Housing, The Minto Centre, Hunday Manor, Derwent and Solway Housing, Lakes College, Westfield Housing Association, Robertsons at the New Leisure Centre, Beckstone Primary School. Please note, no donations at Workington Foodbank Centre.

Cockermouth: Sainsbury's, Co-op, Third Age, Cockermouth Foodbank Centre 

Maryport are: Co-op, Maryport Foodbank Centre Silloth Co-op.

Online donations can be made here