A FOOTBALL club is thanking everyone who has helped to collect hundreds of pounds worth of food for the needy in the run-up to Christmas.

Officials at Guiseley AFC say they have enjoyed great success with their collections for Otley Food Bank in recent weeks.

The Vanarama Conference North club held collections at the home games against Chorley in the FA Trophy, and Leamington in the league, with supporters, players and officials all getting involved.

In total, the club received more than 20 boxes of food and toiletries, which are estimated to be worth around £300. The club was also given £120 in cash to pass on to the food bank, which will be put towards helping those in need.

Chairman Phil Rogerson said: “We’ve been delighted with the generosity of people who helped.

“We can only thank everyone who got involved and hope they will continue to support Guiseley AFC and Otley Food Bank.”

Appealing for donations prior to the collections Guiseley Club secretary and CEO Adie Towers said: “As a community-focused club, we’re always on the lookout for worthy causes in the region.

“Our Community Foundation do great work in helping charitable organisations, so we hope these collections can continue to make a difference in Guiseley and the surrounding areas.”

Otley Food Bank helps individuals, couples and families in the local area who do not have enough money to buy food – in many cases due to unexpected expenses on a low income, reductions in benefits or delays in their payment, family break up or job loss. Victims of violence and theft or the self employed who have problems getting paid can also find themselves in dire straits.

The Food Bank provides emergency parcels of a three day supply of food, normally up to three times in a crisis with people gaining food through partner agencies such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, Otley Children’s Centre, Leeds City Council One Stop centres, Otley Action for Older People, social workers, district nurses, health visitors, schools, GPs and local churches.

Otley Food Bank is a partnership with Churches Together in Otley and the wider community.