AN appeal to help prevent children going hungry on weekends had an immediate response from local people.

The Salvation Army in Broadwell put out the appeal for frozen food such as pizzas and chicken nuggets after hearing from people worried that they could not feed their children when local foodbanks are closed.

Lizzie Cox, the Salvation Army’s community support leader, explained: “We had a surge of demand in support needs from families with children coming in on a Friday in need of help with food support over a weekend.”

A midweek call went out with the hope was that enough food would be donated to fill a small freezer and cover the following weekend.

Instead, the response meant that they were able to fill that freezer and a larger chest unit and they have enough food for several weekends.

Ms Cox added: “The results have been absolutely incredible, more than we could ever have anticipated.

“Our community have heard that plea and have responded in such a way that has been so humbling and incredible.

“People in our community have not got much but they give everything that they have got just to support another person.”

Major Viv Prescott, the Forest Salvation Army’s commanding officer, said many of the people seeking help are in full-time employment.

To check if donations are being taken or to request assistance it is recommended to send a message to Forest of Dean Salvation Army Facebook page. Calls can also be made to (01594) 839106.