Brecon Foodbank has received a donation from Wales & West Utilities which will provide enough supplies to support local families for the next two weeks.

The donation comes as foodbanks face increasing pressure, with food donations falling amid the cost of living crisis while demand for support remains high.

Wales & West Utilities made the donation after completing this year's programme of gas pipe upgrades in the town, as a way of thanking residents for their patience and giving something back to the community.

Based at St John's Family Centre in Pendre, Brecon Foodbank opens on Tuesdays and Fridays to provide support to local people.

Mandy Chambers, warehouse supervisor at Brecon Foodbank, said: “The cost of living crisis is affecting us all, and this year we have seen a drop in food donations, compared to the same period last year. While still supporting a similar amount of people in our community, assistance like this is so important.

“The cold winter months are fast approaching and this time of year brings increased pressure on families, who increasingly turn to our foodbank for help. We are very grateful for the support from Wales & West Utilities.”

Wales & West Utilities has recently finished work in the St Michael's area as part of a wider programme to invest more than £2.2 million in upgrading gas pipes across Brecon over the next few years.

The programme will see more than 7,700 metres of gas pipes replaced across the area, upgrading the network and improving infrastructure for local customers.

Andrew Coleman, who is managing the gas pipe upgrade programme for Wales & West Utilities, said: “We always look for ways to give back to the communities that are impacted by our essential work and our engineers are delighted that we've been able to support Brecon Foodbank.

“This time of year, particularly, is very busy and we are happy that this small donation will allow the foodbank a bit of breathing space so that it can continue to provide this lifeline of support to local people.”

The company is expected to return to Brecon in summer next year, when further work will take place along Bridge Street, The Avenue and Cerrigcochion Road.

For more information about work in your area, you can visit: www.wwutilities.co.uk/gas-pipe-upgrade-projects