Shoppers at Oakham's Co-op store are being encouraged to 'love your local foodbank' this Valentine's Day by donating an item when buying a gift for a loved one.

In the run up to 14 February, Central England Co-op is appealing to people to help those in need by dropping an extra item or two into a special collection point located inside the Braunstone Road store.

Items that can be donated include shopping basket staples from tea, sugar and cereals to other essentials such as toiletries and hygiene products.

This latest appeal comes as the retailer revealed that the generosity of customers and members saw over 275,000 items donated during 2019 – helping more than 60 food banks dish out enough food to create over 110,000 meals for people throughout the year.

A Central England Co-op spokesman said: "We all like to treat a loved one for Valentine's Day but this year all of us here at Central England Co-op are encouraging people to share the love by supporting our amazing foodbank partners.

"By just dropping an item or two - whether it be an everyday essential or a sweet treat – it could make a real difference at this time of year, a time of year when demand is high on already stretched foodbanks.

"In the run up to Valentine's Day please, if you can, dig deep and help support some great and vital local good causes and love your local food bank."