Banbury Foodbank has received a boost following a Harvest Festival collection at a care home in the town.

Highmarket House encouraged the community to donate their extra, unused, or unwanted non-perishable food items to a temporary drop-off point in the home's reception.

The collected items have now been donated to Banbury Foodbank to help families facing food insecurity this winter.

The initiative was part of the care home's Harvest Festival celebrations, which traditionally marks the time when crops are gathered and serves as a time for people to show gratitude for their food.

Home manager Francesca Cowley said: "Here at Highmarket House, we’re always looking for ways to give back and support our community and local charities, which is why we were delighted to have partnered with Banbury Foodbank to launch our first ever foodbank drop-off point.

"Harvest Festival is a day in the calendar where we can reflect and show gratitude for the food that we have, whilst serving as an opportunity to connect with others, regardless of age or background, and celebrate why Banbury is a great place to call home.

"We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who donated to our foodbank drop-off point."

Residents also enjoyed a Harvest Festival service conducted by St Mary’s Church, which covered themes of togetherness and thanksgiving, and was followed by an autumnal meal.