AS Lyme Regis Food Bank urgently appeals for more donations a resident has told how it saved her life when she could no longer afford to feed herself.

Becky Clayton, 46, has lived in West Dorset all her life and suffered a stroke in May this year, disabling the left side of her body and preventing her working.

She was forced to appeal to Oliver Letwin MP for help and advice after her application for benefits was delayed numerous times, leaving her with only £20 at the start of October.

Oliver Letwin MP then recommended her to the Lyme Regis Food Bank who sent her an emergency food parcel.

Miss Clayton praised the service as the foodbank makes an urgent appeal for donations in the face of increasing demand.

Miss Clayton said: "At that moment in time the parcel was an absolute life saver. Simply put, if I hadn't received it I would have had to have gone begging for food.

"In the food parcel there was tinned food and other essentials like toiletries, so it was incredibly useful. I am incredibly grateful to the Lyme Regis Food Bank."

Miss Clayton told how the worries of her predicament were keeping her up at night.

She said: "I have always lived a frugal lifestyle and not overspent and I feel let down by the government, because I have always worked, right up until the stroke.

"With the winter coming up and the 'big six' increasing the prices for electricity and gas, I will have to make the decision of whether I spend the little money I have on eating or heating, and I think that is really bad.

"My worries about everything are really hampering my recovery from the stroke.

"When I first went into the Food Bank, I felt a little ashamed, but the people there were really, really nice and assured me it was nothing to be ashamed about. They were so good with me and I am so grateful.

"It is so reassuring that something like the Food Bank is available and people are willing to help people like me."

Lyme Regis Food Bank is based in the LymeNet offices at the St Michael's business centre in the town, and is constantly looking for people to donate items.

A spokesperson for the Lyme Regis Food Bank explained how the service is more than just a food service.

The spokesperson said: "Lyme Regis Food Bank was set up as a result of an initiative from Lyme Forward and in response to a need in Lyme for emergency food provision for a short period of time where a family or a individual is in food poverty.

"This is identified through referrers such as churches, medical centres and credit union and it is followed through by the referrers, helping those who need it to find the appropriate professional help.

"The process is confidential and helps people for a short time when they are in crisis. It is much needed at the present time.

"It is good to know it has been appreciated in time of trouble."

Anybody who wishes to donate food to the appeal is urged to donate in date tinned food and toiletries at the collection points in the churches, the Co-op and LymeNet. For more information contact LymeNet on 01297 444570