Great Dunmow residents were asked to help - and those in the north and east of the town have risen to the challenge.

Members of the Great Dunmow and District Round Table have collected a “phenomenal” amount of long life food for the Braintree Area Foodbank, as well as £600 in cash donations.

During their street to street collection they asked residents to listen out for the music as they came around the streets, and to leave bags or boxes by the road where they could be clearly seen.

A number of businesses also helped their efforts.

Thomas Johnson of Great Dunmow and District Round Table said: “Having supported local foodbanks previously we were more than happy to offer our help again to ensure they are suitably stocked during these unusual times.

“We were taken aback by the generosity of the Dunmow residents and would like to thank them for making this possible.”

The foodbank has been providing items for people in food crisis for over five years, and their mission is to see that no one goes hungry. Last year, 4,813 people were fed thanks to their efforts.