A vital food bank has been saved after fears it could be forced to shut.

Swanley and District Foodbank was given notice to leave its premises in Lynden Way by the end of November in April last year.

Speaking to KentOnline in September, chairman John Kahan said they had contacted “everyone they [could] think of” but had come to a dead end.

He said at the time: “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.”

But now, the food bank has announced it will be moving into a new site at the former Swanstaff Recruitment office in the high street.

Emma Boyes, who became the manager in May, says everyone is “relieved” the food bank will be able to continue operating.

She said: “Our landlord was very kind about it and let us stay there until we found our new home which has obviously taken quite a while.

“It’s very exciting and we’re thrilled to be here finally. Things are really looking up, we’re very relieved.”

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

It operated at its previous site in Lynden Way for about five years, but the food bank itself has existed for around 10 years.

It will be reopening on August 2 and will operate on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10.30am to 3pm.

Emma added: “We’ve had some real generosity from businesses in the area during our move.

“Sideline Removals have done the heavy lifting for us and discounted their price which has made all this possible.

“We’ve been really lucky to have lots of generosity both in time and people giving services cheaper than they would normally.

“Everybody has pitched in, it’s been such an amazing team effort.

“I’m also hoping because we’re on the high street now that it will be easier for more people to come to us because we’re so central.”