An emergency food bank is being launched in Bicester to help families when they hit hard times.

It aims to provide free emergency food for at least three days, until official organisations can step in with more long-term help.

Food for the bank will be collected through local churches, community groups and supermarkets.

People in crisis - for instance, if they lose their jobs - can then draw the food using a voucher issued by registered care professionals, such as social services, health visitors and church pastoral workers.

Project manager Janet Ray, a member of Bicester's Emmanuel Church, launched the food bank after a visit to New Zealand earlier this year, where she saw a similar initiative in action.

She said: "It's for when somebody loses their job or is sick and can't work. We are not there to feed the permanently hungry because we just could not do that.

"We have got quite a high percentage of deprivation in Bicester.

"Everyone thinks Bicester is a very affluent society, but in every town there is need.

"Everyone really is only one pay packet away from disaster, with high mortgages and high taxes."

The food bank distribution centre is due to open on Friday, December 15, at the St John Ambulance Centre, in Ashdene Road, Bicester. It is scheduled to open twice a week from 1-3pm on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Mrs Ray is appealing for volunteers to help collect, pack and distribute the food.

She is urging potential volunteers, care professionals, councillors and churches in the Bicester area to come along to a meeting on Monday to find out more.

The meeting will start at 7pm in the Salvation Army Hall, Hart Place, Bicester.

For more information call Mrs Ray on 01869 346915 or email bicesterfoodbank@yahoo.co.uk