A FOOD bank which offers fresh ingredients has been relaunched after raising thousands of pounds worth of goods over the last four years.

Beaminster Food Bank, based at the Prout Hill children's centre, is now open to people of all ages, following the relaunch. Lesley Waters, known for her cookery school in Halstock and appearances on Ready Steady Cook and This Morning, has given her backing to the initiative - a partnership between Dorset County Council and the Beaminster Area Team Ministry.

The food bank provides fresh meat, fruit and vegetables to customers as well as store cupboard items.

Since the food bank's initial launch in 2013, £8,554-worth of food has been donated.

Previously, the food bank was open to families who had children living with them under the age of 19. The new-look food bank is now open three days a week and will offer help to anyone who is referred by a professional and lives in the local community and surrounding villages.

A voucher system allows fresh meat, fruit and vegetables to be purchased through the food bank.

Nicola Shoemark, the outgoing leaders for Beaminster Children's Centre, said: "In 2013, we started the voucher system.

"This means we do not just give people dry ingredients so we can feel that they are eating much more healthily. We are now combined with the churches and we will now be offering the food bank to all people. It's not just for Beaminster, it's available for the surrounding villages."

Ms Waters is set to produce recipes that those who use the food bank can produce meals with.

She said: "The problem for lots of people is they do not know how to cook.

"For us it seems strange that they can't cook rice, but we are in the minority."

She added: "I think what they are doing here is fantastic. I love the idea of vouchers and it means people can get fresh ingredients.

"What we would like to do is to write recipes that are relevant. I think we want to get the slow cookers that are not used and write recipes for people that cannot cook."

Cllr Jacqui Sewell said the food bank is vital to the local community.

She said: "We need a food bank because everybody is having to watch every penny.

"At the end of the week, they have nothing left to have a good meal for their family."

The food bank is open on Mondays from 10am until 12pm, from 2pm to 4pm on Wednesday and from 10am until 12pm on Fridays.

Donation boxes of dry foods and toiletries can be dropped off at the children's centre, Barton House doctors surgery, the Yarn Barton Centre and local churches and schools.

Food vouchers can be purchased at Fruit n Two Veg greengrocers and Nick Tett Butchers.

For more information, call 01308 861030.