A RUNNING club took part in a big-hearted effort to donate a large amount of food to a food bank.

More than 40 members of South Woodham Runners donated a total of 175kg of food to the Chelmsford Food Bank, which oversees the Woodham Food Bank.

The running club’s social media committee member Mel Carrington discovered the Runr Food Bank Run and decided to join in.

Runners met at the bandstand in South Woodham Ferrers, each bringing donations before setting off on a social run around the town.

Four volunteers from the food bank went to meet the runners to collect their generous donations.

Chelmsford Food Bank thanked the running club for the donations.

The Food Bank Run aims to encourage groups to donate to food banks.

The number of people using food banks has risen to 2.1 million in the UK, which is up from 1.6 million five years ago.

Running clubs around the country have been taking part this month, including Witham Running Club.

More than 300 clubs, groups, councils and more have committed to running their own food bank run.

A spokesman for the club said: “When Mel Carrington heard about the Food Bank Run there was no hesitation in supporting such a worthy cause.

“The Food Bank Run is a new movement that was created off the back of a run started several years ago by Hampshire-based Fareham Running Club.

“They are now encouraging every club, group and food bank to link up and create their own Food Bank Run.

“South Woodham Runners were met by representatives of the Chelmsford Food Bank who oversee the Woodham Food Bank and transported all the food back to their centre for distribution.

“A massive total of 175kg of food was collected to support the local community.”

The South Woodham Food Bank is based at the New Life Church on Clements Green Lane in South Woodham Ferrers.

It is open on Wednesday morning from 9.45am to 11.45am.