An opticians in Ledbury is raising money to support the town’s foodbank. 

The team at Specsavers in The Homend are running a Christmas raffle.

Customers can buy a ticket in return for a £1 donation to be in with a chance of winning a Christmas hamper filled with festive goodies worth £80. 

All the money raised will directly benefit local families, making a real difference in their community during the festive season, and will be sent to Ledbury Food Bank.

Having witnessed first-hand the hardships faced by local communities this year, Specsavers Ledbury felt very strongly about helping. 

Rebecca Roberts, Specsavers Ledbury store director, said: ‘We are all very passionate about giving to those in need, especially around Christmas time.

“We see people from our nearby communities every day in our store and hear their stories about trying to cope with the cost of living crisis – so we wanted to do our bit to support them.

“We’ll be picking the winner of the raffle on Friday, December 23, and we’ll let the winner know soon after.

“Funds raised for the food bank near to our store will mean much-needed grocery supplies can be bought to give directly to local families in need, helping them to get through the festivities and school holidays with plenty to eat.”

Ledbury Food Bank revealed earlier this year that demand for its help had risen by 50% in a year as the cost of living crisis hit local families.

Mark Lister, chairman of the Lead Team at the food bank, said people were visiting because of debt, loss of employment, difficulties with benefits and more recently worries about the cost of fuel to heat their homes.

A number of Ledbury businesses and charities have thrown their support behind the foodbank.

Blue Cross, which has a shop in The Homend, is providing pet food to those struggling to feed their pets at this time.

The charity is seeking donations of dog, cat and kitten food, as well as food for small animals including rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, which will then be collected and distributed to needy families through Ledbury Food Bank.