Thousands of West Cumbrians are being forced to turn to food handouts by benefit delays and changes.

North Lakes Foodbank handed out 5,675 three-day emergency food supplies in the year to March 31.

More than half of claimants sought the help due to benefits being delayed or changed.

Workington MP Sue Hayman said the figures were disgraceful and that the Government should be ashamed that anyone living in one of the world's wealthiest countries should rely on food handouts.

She said: "It's appalling that Government inefficiency can impact on whether or not people can afford to feed themselves.

"While we want to encourage people back into work, we don't want to leave people in a situation where they can't afford to feed themselves or their families."

The North Lakes Foodbank was launched in 2009.

It gives three-day food boxes via a voucher system to people in need across West Cumbria, who have to be referred to the service.

The foodbank, which collects about 50 tonnes of food each year, has distribution points in Maryport, Cockermouth and Workington.

Up to 128,295 meals were handed out by the foodbank last year, with the average claimant using the foodbank twice.

As well as benefit problems, crises causing people to turn to the foodbank include debt, being homeless or having a low income.

Nearly 10 per cent of people using the foodbank were in Workington's St Michael's ward.

Moorclose ward in Workington made up seven per cent of the foodbank's users.

Ewanrigg ward in Maryport also made up seven per cent.