VINEY Avenue Post Office and T & M Stores would like to thank the local community for the generous donation of £370 to support the Romsey Food Bank.

Along with a further donation of £50 made by councillor Dorothy Baverstock who has been supporting the shop to raise funds and the shops own contribution of £130 meant a total of £550 could be given to help those most in need.

As Christmas is around the corner, business owners Sidharth and Neha Patel would like to carry on collecting donations for the food bank. They would like the food bank to have the choice of what they do with the funds raised, so they are kindly asking for cash donations only.

Shop owner Sidharth said: “We tried our little effort with support of our local community to back up Romsey Food Bank. We hope it may bring some awareness to other local businesses to come forward and support local community too. A sincere thank you to everyone who has helped us.”

Cllr Dorothy said: “Mr and Mrs Patel are an example of those who have worked all through the Covid epidemic to support their local community, I have to say all the time, not just in a crisis but as a way of living.

“They are an amazing couple who believe in supporting not only their customers, but the wider community and the food bank is so worthwhile supporting, especially as this initiative will give children all the extras that others will have at Christmas.

“I do appeal to other residents to donate the little extras that this money will give but that many can afford to add. It's a wonderful way to lead into Christmas.”