FOOD bank organisers are thanking 'fabulous people' after more than £700 was raised at a charity gig in Bridport.

The event at The Ropemakers pub, West Street, raised £734.90 as part of the national initiate, We Shall Overcome - raising money for the Cupboard Love food bank.

We Shall Overcome involved almost 250 events across the country, while performers at The Ropemakers included Charlie Bateman, Sharon Lazibyrd, Will Harper, Son of Richard, Gris-de-Line and Skeg. Festival and Ropemakers favourites Hobo Jones and the Junkyard Dogs rounded off the live entertainment.

John and Geraldine Baker, landlords of The Ropemakers donated £200 from the bar takings from the charity event.

Organiser Keith Hatch, said: “It was a brilliant day and I really can’t get over how generous people were with their donations.

“It is very sad that in the 21st century and one of the richest countries in the world, people need to rely on food banks to survive. However, these events were about local people supporting each other, and Bridport really shone through.

“The musicians, pub staff, volunteers and local businesses who supplied raffle prizes were brilliant – but most important, it was the public who came to the event and gave so generously.”

As well as the impressive donations raised from the event, more than £100 worth of food was also donated by members of the public.

Chris Newton-Evans, who runs the Cupboard Love food bank with her husband, Rev Andrew Evans, said she was 'amazed' at the amount of money raised by the public.

She said: “The We Shall Overcome fundraising event was amazing.

“Right from the start, donations of food and money rolled in and did not stop. Everybody gave what they could from a few quid to lovely £10 and £20 notes. I am honestly amazed at the amount raised.

“All the money will be spent on Christmas hampers which will just make it a wonderful time for some people who really need a hand up.”

Mrs Newton-Evans thanked the compassion showed by the people of Bridport who ‘will not tolerate food poverty’.

“When I am asked about Cupboard Love food bank, I will always tell people I am really lucky because all I have to do is tell the fabulous people of Bridport what we need and they come up with it,” added Mrs Newton-Evans.

“Bridport is a really dynamic town where people are making it very clear that they will not tolerate food poverty.

“Lives unravel really quickly and because people support Cupboard Love food bank with donations of money and food, we can walk alongside individuals and families who are having a hell of a time.”

Donations to Cupboard Love are always welcome at Church House in South Street, Bridport.