Newark and Tuxford Foodbank now operating out of Cartergate unit Newark Community Support

Newark's foodbank is now operating out of a different town centre location.

The Newark and Tuxford Foodbank, run by the Trussell Trust, has moved from its former home at Barnbygate Methodist Church to a new unit on Cartergate.

Now operating under the name Newark Community Support, the foodbank has not changed and people can still benefit if they have had a referral from their case worker.

The unit will also be home to a new social supermarket in the new year, a place where people can just top up on their weekly shop — rather than be dependent on the foodbank.

People using the social supermarket will be given a membership card on their first visit but are urged to only use the scheme once a fortnight.

Stephen Charnock, chairman of trustees at Newark and Tuxford Foodbank, said: "If they are using it more, we need to have a sit down and conversation with that person as to what needs they have, and see if we can work with other agencies in the area to resolve some issues."

Mr Charnock added charities were being invited to apply to use the space for free on the days the foodbank and social supermarket don't operate.

The foodbank is open on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. Your referral will state an appointment time.

The social supermarket will be open on Monday and Thursday afternoons from the new year.

Mr Charnock said: "It's an exciting adventure and enhancement to our services to those in need. We've built upon some of the things we have learned and realised people need support over a longer period of time.

"The social supermarket will give opportunity to top up — some additional products to enable their food shop to go further."

The Newark and Tuxford Foodbank is looking to hold a volunteer recruitment drive in the new year.