A LOCAL supermarket has pledged further support for workers recently made redundant in Okehampton.

The Co-operative has donated £400 in food vouchers to Okehampton Foodbank to help support local residents with little money for day-to-day living.

Following the closure of PoleStar's Okehampton desserts factory at the beginning of February, local people, businesses and agencies stepped in to provide emergency food supplies for those in need.

The Co-operative allowed members of the Okehampton Lions Club to collect in-store, and provided a discount card for the Foodbank to use in the shop.

Following the success of the initial relief effort, members of the Co-operative on the local area committee requested additional funding to provide more support for local people.

Peter Vallance, democratic services manager for the Co-operative in the Okehampton area said: 'The Co-operative operates in the heart of the Okehampton community and by doing so we could not sit back and do nothing while so many people have been plunged into poverty through no fault of their own.

'Whilst we hope the food collection points in-store and the discount card will help the Foodbank on an ongoing basis, we deemed the additional boost of vouchers necessary to make a real difference now at this transitional time for many people affected by the recent job losses.'

Alan King, president of the Okehampton Lions, said: 'The Co-operative has been one of several organisations in the town to offer great support in recent months, and they have been a great example of how a thriving business can use its position to help those in need in the area.'

The Co-operative's community fund can also provide support for local charities and community groups through customers pledging their dividend payments to good causes.

Around £200,000 is available annually in the region, and application forms are available online at http://www.co-operative.coop/community-fund">www.co-operative.coop/community-fund or by phoning 0844 262 4001.

Staff made redundant from PoleStar in February are still awaiting news on the future of the factory, after it was taken over by Devonshire Desserts Ltd on February 15. The company has been unavailable for comment.