The annual Christmas Hamper programme, run by the Ironbridge & Severn Gorge Lions group, exceeded expectations and managed to produce an estimated four tons of food for vulnerable people, almost double the total of previous years, despite additional challenges caused by the pandemic.

The scheme sees volunteers collect non-perishable goods, which are then distributed in partnership with charities and social services to the elderly, young families, homeless, care leavers and others who may find themselves in crisis at Christmas.

This year, the Lions group ran the campaign alongside its 100 Bag Challenge, which invited residents to donate a single bag of non-perishable food.

A total of 374 bags of food were distributed over the Christmas period, and volunteers said a second batch of food parcels would be handed out at the end of January.

John Marsh, of the Lions group, said: “Looking back at the Christmas Hamper programme, two things stand out – the very considerable increase in food poverty and the equally dramatic increase in the level of generosity within our community.

"We underestimated the generosity of the community."