There are fears a vital food bank may have to close its doors as its lease is about to come to an end.

Swanley and District Foodbank in Lynden Way, Swanley, has been given notice to leave the premises by the end of November.

Chairman John Kahan said they had contacted “everyone they can think of” since finding out in April, but have come to a dead end.

He said: “We’ve had a three-year licence but the landlord doesn’t want to renew it and it runs out at the end of the year.

“The trouble is we can’t find anything because the rents are too high for our means, or the property is for purchase only – and we’re a charity.

“We are paying rent at the moment but it's quite low.”

The food bank covers a vast area including Swanley, Eynsford, Shoreham, West Kingsdown and Dartford, as well as some parts of London.

It has been operating at the current site for about five years, but the food bank itself has existed for nearly 10.

It has already distributed 756 parcels this financial year and gave out 1,424 in the previous financial year.

“It’s quite busy at the moment so to lose it would be a great loss to the people of Swanley,” Mr Kahan said.

“We are now desperate – the alternative is that Swanley and the surrounding area will lose a much-used, invaluable asset for those families who need our help.”

The food bank is open on Tuesdays from 10.30am to 3pm, and on Fridays from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

If you can help, contact the food bank on 07798 872 573 or email info@swanleydistrict.foodbank.org.uk.