Tesco stores across Havering will be holding collections to help feed the vulnerable and needy next weekend.

Research has this week revealed that almost one in ten people in London have skipped meals, gone without food to feed their family or relied on others for food in the last year.

On December 1 and 2, collections will take place at the chain’s stores.

There are foodbanks in Rainham, Harold Hill and Collier Row.

Last month the Recorder revealed both the rocketing demand from foodbanks in the borough and increase in defendants appearing in court charged with stealing food.

Mark Reeves, manager of Harold Hill foodbank, said: “We’re already meeting families who are panicking about how to put food on the table this Chrismas and we need more food to make sure we can meet the growing demand.

“We hope that many people will donate at a Tesco store to help stop people going hungry in Harold Hill and Havering this Christmas.”

Collections will be taking place from 9am-6pm in Tesco stores and the supermarket will top-up donations by 30pc.