ILMINSTER’S most needy residents are being well served by the town’s food banks after a year of learning curves.

That’s according to the bank’s co-ordinator, Michael Pragnell, who set the facility up last year independent of national food bank franchise the Trussell Trust.

Mr Pragnell said: “Through this first year there have indeed been problems to resolve.

“One of the greatest of these was the establishment of effective working relationships with the referral agencies responsible for identifying those in food poverty.

“However, I believe progress has been made and I’ sure that we’re beginning to play our part in helping some of the most disadvantaged in our communities, shown in the many donations of food and money, which has continued to encourage us all.

“I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their most valuable contribution to this shared venture of faith.”