Whitland Foodbank was given a boost before Christmas with a donation of £1,000 raised by the recent Santa Run in the town.

Narberth and Whitland Rotary donated the funds following the 3K ‘fun run’ that Rotarians organised - kindly supported by generous donors - Davies Builders Merchants, Castell Howell, Patrick Jones and Revelation Signs plus local shops the Co-op, Gus the Newsagent and Tammy at the Bakers House in Whitland.

After expenses the amount raised came to £750, but the Narberth and Whitland Rotary president Phil Thompson and his executive committee decided to top that amount up to £1,000 to make a real difference in the Whitland and St Clears ommunities.

Foodbank manager Helen Ryan told president Phil with members Nigel and Mary that they will have sent out 460 parcels by the end of the week leading up to Christmas.

“Families are struggling and we are reaching out to help more people as possibl,” she said.

“It’s very emotional to hear the hardship that some people are suffering. The choices they are making are between heating and eating. This money will make a huge difference to our Foodbank,” added Helen, stating that she was extremely grateful to organisations such as the Rotary to help them make a real difference in the community, and to everyone who turned out to support the event.

If you know anyone who needs help please contact the Whitland Foodbank at Whitland Town Hall, King Edward Street Whitland SA340AA or telephone 01994 241694.

They are open every Tuesday but if you require emergency help can be contacted on the above number.

The service also is available to people who have no access to transport, local deliveries are on Friday afternoons.

It was the first Whitland town centre Santa Run which started and finished at Whitland Bowling Club, and now Rotarians are hoping the event will be biannual alternating with Narberth town.

One of the organisers, Rotarian Ken Morgan also thanked Whitland Air Cadets led by Squadron Leader Kris Butler and Sergeant May who helped in the morning setting up the tables outside the Bowling Club and then clearing away at the end of the run.

They also helped to marshall the runners at strategic points around the town and then presented the commemorative medals to all participants when they finished the 3Km run.

Narberth and Whitland Round Table volunteers also joined in the excitement for youngsters by providing the Santa Sleigh from which Father Christmas gave the children sweets whilst the adults enjoyed a glass of mulled wine and a warm mince pie.

The Cadets were also treated to a warm lunch kindly donated by the Whitland Bowling Club courtesy of the chair Cally Jones.