‘Phenomenal’ community support has meant dozens of families in crisis have been able to celebrate Christmas this year after the village’s foodbank was broken into.

Cheddar Valley Foodbank, in the Wessex Business Centre, was broken into on December 9 when the burglars made off with toiletries, phones, coffee and tinned meat - much of which had been put aside for families in crisis over the festive period.

Volunteer Elaine Reynolds said she 'couldn't believe it' when she saw the foodbank had been broken into.

She added: "There was mess on the floor and I was just in shock. There has been no development from the investigation with the police.

"I would like to say a big thank you for the generosity which has been amazing. Money and goods have been coming in from all directions including businesses, schools and individuals. It has been fantastic."

Once the news of the break-in broke in Cheddar, Jenny Fox, an administrator on the community Facebook page Cheddar Valley Hands Of Change, put up a post calling on the community to back its charity.

Jenny said: "The response was overwhelming as local businesses, schools and individuals collected massive donations.

"In the end around 60 Christmas food hampers, including treats with meat and Sainsbury's vouchers were also included.

"As well as the Christmas hampers, everyone had bags of basic store cupboard food too.

"The response from people in cheddar and Somerset was phenomenal and their generosity was overwhelming with huge collections of food and money being given - which was used to purchase the vouchers."

Foodbank volunteer Terina Wallis said: "It is just amazing the response we had. I genuinely believe people are being more aware of others and their needs which is great for the community."

Hundreds of food items were donated to the charity which provide approximately 500-600 emergency packs a year.

Foodbank, which is supported by The Trussell Trust, offers three-day emergency food packs to families and individuals in moments of crisis.

Avon and Somerset police are still appealing for anyone with information regarding the break-in to come forward.

Please call 101 and quote crime reference number 5219284520.