A second charity has partnered with Knaresborough's Marks and Spencer store to use its surplus food to provide meals for those in need.

The charity, Helping Hands UK, was suggested by local customers after the M&S store put an appeal out for charities on Facebook.

Helping Hands UK is an established charity with hubs across the country. The Yorkshire hub accepts donations from a number of retailers already, with M&S now joining the list.

The charity reuses surplus food and makes meals or food boxes to be delivered to those in need locally. It also takes hot meals and drinks into city centres to feed those living on the streets.

Its founder, Toni Mella, lives in Pudsey. She has worked with people and groups within the Harrogate district for years and wanted to thank them for their support and for suggesting her charity to M&S. She said:

All of the people working for the charity are volunteers who come from all walks of life. Including NHS workers and some who have been homeless or experienced addiction.

Ms Mella said this partnership with M&S gives them the opportunity to support more people with the extra food and praised the work of her volunteers.

Some of the food collected last weekend went into family boxes and used to make hot meals for the elderly.

Read more:

• Harrogate Neighbours has launched "special boxes" to make sure no occasion is missed.


• Nidderdale community comes together to ensure no one will go hungry.