The GMB trade union based in Halesowen has raised over £400 for the local Black Country Food Bank.

Labour's Parliamentary Candidate for Halesowen and Rowley Regis Stephanie Peacock, who works at the GMB, visited the Black Country Food Bank with colleagues to hand over the cheque and donations.

She said: “The Black Country Food Bank has seen demand rise considerably over the last few years and will have helped over 25,000 people this year alone. It is a sad reality that many people are now having to turn to local food banks for support.

"Local volunteers tell me how job instability, low pay, zero hours contracts and the bedroom tax are all contributory factors to a massive rise in demand for food banks."

She added: "Many of the people turning to food banks are in work and a number are children."

The Black Country Food Bank rely solely on donations and for more information www.blackcountryfoodbank.org.uk.