The chairman of Carmarthenshire county council has raised over £3,000 for local food banks.

Garnant Councillor Kevin Madge has lent his support to the Trussell Trust, which supports a nationwide network of food banks and emergency food provision for people in crisis. Cllr Madge raised the funds for the Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli food banks.

Cllr Madge recently visited the food banks to hand over the money he has raised since taking up the post of chairman.

Mydrim Davies, Ammanford food bank manager said the money will go a long way to supporting the local community.

Since Ammanford food bank opened in May 2013 it has fed over 10,000 clients and according to recent figures the number of visitors has increased by 28 per cent this year.

Mydrim said: “So many people are still relying on the food banks and there are no signs of improvements, it is only getting worse.

“Clients come to us with a voucher which entitles them to three days supply of food. When they come to pick up the food we don’t just hand it over, we use it as an opportunity to speak to them and listen to any problems they may have. We help and guide them with debt and benefit advice.”

Mydrim thanked Cllr Madge for his donation, adding, “I thank Kevin for his continued support, it is great to know people are out there raising money for us. We live in a very generous community, the fact that people consistently give to us is remarkable.”

Cllr Madge said: “It has been a pleasure to pass on this cheque to the food bank, it is very sad that people are still having to rely on services like this, but I am grateful that they are here to offer support.

“I am still concerned that many people are still not using the service they are entitled to and that there are elderly and young mothers who are still finding it difficult to access this service. There is always more to be done.

“I thank the food bank volunteers for everything they do and the public and local councils for helping me raise more than £3,000.”

Cllr Madge raised the money through charity events, including themed nights and wrote to town and community councils within Carmarthenshire, asking to sponsor him as he takes on the Walrus Dip on Boxing Day in Cefn Sidan.

He said: “To date I’ve received donations from Llandybie, Trimsara, Trelech a’r Betws, Cwmaman, Bronwydd, Llanelli Rural, Llanllawddog, Llangyndeyrn, Llanddeusant, Llandyfaelog, Cilymaenllwyd and Pendine Community Councils."

Any further donations can be sent to County Hall, Carmarthen.