Deal Foodbank is launching a new mobile service to help feed families with no transport.

The initiative called Community Matters will start on March 1 and initially serve the villages of Aylesham and Elvington.

It has been made possible thanks to the commission of a new large van, paid for by a grant from parent charity The Trussell Trust.

The 3.3 tonne Ford Transit van has been specially modified by a firm in Leicester to include shelves, racks, a fridge and a freezer unit, allowing it to function as a mobile foodbank.

It will support families with no transport and those in villages where public transport is scarce.

Deal Foodbank project coordinator, Sheila Ward said: "All our foodbanks operate to help and support those in the most need.

"Now with this mobile service we will be able to reach those who wouldn’t be able to reach us otherwise."

The Community Matters white van will visit the Bechange Car Park in Ackholt Road in Aylesham from 9.30am to 11am on Tuesdays and 9.30am to 10.30am on Fridays.

It will also attend Elvington Community Centre from 10.45am to 11.30am on Fridays.

Those using the service will receive a food parcel containing three days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food.

They must provide a physical or e-voucher issued to them and their own carrier bags.

For more information or to get a voucher, call Bechange Aylesham on 01304 840134 or Citizens Advice Deal on 01304 202442.

Alternatively visit: dealarea.foodbank.org.uk/