Shoppers helped to make an annual food donation the most successful ever.

An appeal was launched last month at the Forum Shopping Centre for non-perishable goods such as baked beans, tea, coffee, sugar, rice and pasta.

The items, along with other donations from Westlands primary and a trolley of food from Tesco, were presented to Sittingbourne Nightstop.

The charity, which is based at the United Reformed Church, provides emergency accommodation and food for homeless 16- to 25-year-olds.

This year saw the largest amount of food ever received since the campaign started four years ago.

Maureen Herbert, support worker at Sittingbourne Nightstop, said: “We are overwhelmed with the response we have received.

"The food will go a long way in supporting the homeless in the Sittingbourne area.

“We rely on donations in order to continue to be able to provide those in need with food and I want to thank all of those who were kind enough to make a contribution – we are very grateful.”

Forum manager Francesca Donovan said: “It was fantastic to see so many people from the local community making donations in an effort to improve the lives of others in Sittingbourne.”