The Co-op is today launching its Summer Food Bank Appeal as the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic continue to be felt.

The campaign will run until September, and will support Ediblelinks in Warwickshire.

Customers are encouraged to purchase a few extra items during their shops, and donate them via the special collection points in store.

Items that can be donated to the appeal include shopping basket staples from tea, sugar and cereals to other essentials such as toiletries and hygiene products.

Gavin Hodges, from Ediblelinks, said toiletries are something they are in particular need of.

He said: "We are planning for high summer demand. We know families find the six weeks holidays a particular challenge. Last year we supported an additional 385 families. Help sourcing additional supplies is enormously beneficial and we are very grateful."

The retailer has been running its summer campaign to tackle holiday hunger for the past three years, resulting in hundreds of thousands of donations and packages of food and essentials being handed out.

Hannah Gallimore, Central England Corporate Responsibility Manager, said: "We have now been working with our food bank partners to try and combat holiday hunger for many years, yet we continue to see demand for food bank support spike as what they now offer has sadly become a permanent solution rather than an emergency response.

"We continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity of our members and customers to ensure children do not go hungry every single summer with their phenomenal support for our food bank appeals and know they will do everything they can to support once again."