GREATER Anglia staff have launched an appeal to help people in food crisis this winter.

They will be collecting for Bishop’s Stortford and Harlow food banks from 1 November for six weeks, until 12 December, with items being delivered to the food banks around 15 December.

Items can be dropped off at Bishop’s Stortford, Harlow Mill, Harlow Town, Sawbridgeworth and Stansted Mountfitchet rail stations.

A full list of items needed will be on display at the ticket offices, but can include non-perishable foods, toiletries, baby supplies, feminine products and household items.

The collection has been organised by Greater Anglia relief ticket office clerk, Michael King, who is based at Sawbridgeworth and Stansted Mountfitchet.

Michael, said: “As a team, we really care about our local area and want to do our bit, especially in the run up to Christmas.

“Our local food banks are incredible and make such a difference so we wanted to make it easy for people to donate by becoming a collection point, as we have lots of people passing through our stations.

“Our customers have been amazing during previous appeals – last Easter they helped to collect over 450 chocolate eggs for a local children’s hospital – and we would be so grateful for their support again to help people who may be struggling over the winter months.”