SENIOR clergy in Keighley have welcomed a project which is helping tackle food poverty across the town.

The Good Food Keighley shop was launched in July and has seen demand steadily rise. Based in the Airedale Shopping Centre, the project currently welcomes between 40 and 60 users a week referred to it by support agencies and schools.

The shop stocks a range of food items and other essential products donated by supermarkets and community organisations.

Members of the scheme can shop at the outlet once a week, paying £5 for 15 items. There is also an option to put £1 of that amount into a Credit Union savings account. Six months’ membership of the shop costs £1.

Behind the initiative is a partnership of organisations – Keighley Parish, the Salvation Army, Roshni Ghar, the town council, Keighley Schools Together, Keighley Healthy Living, Holy Family School and Keighley Pathways.

Curate of Keighley, the Rev Natasha Thomas, said: “This model of a social supermarket gives people dignity and some control of their own situation. Working in partnership means we can reach many more people across the town.”

And Canon Mike Cansdale, rector of Keighley, said: “This is exciting work bringing good news to those living in poverty. The team is doing a great job.”

For more details, visit facebook.com/goodfoodkeighley.