A FOODBANK has issued an urgent appeal for the long-life carrier bags which help service users keep their dignity.

Braintree Area Foodbank is running low on bags for life, which are given to people who collect their food to carry it in.

Many people who are forced to use foodbanks are ashamed they need to, so the organisation uses the bags to make it look like people have just been shopping.

Over the festive period, the foodbank has seen an increase in people needing their help and so stocks are running low.

Bags for life are available from most large stores and supermarkets, and normally cost 10p each. Two bags will help pack one box of food.

Braintree Area Foodbank has also issued its February shopping list.

Rice, cereal, tinned spaghetti, packet mashed potato, tinned tomatoes and bags of sugar are needed.

For more information, visit braintreearea.foodbank.org.uk.