SHOPPERS at Tesco stores across York are being invited to put a little extra in their basket across the Christmas Period to help those in need.

Tomorrow will mark the final day of a three-day charity campaign by the store on Tadcaster Road to a food collection that will go towards charities such as FareShare and The Trussel Trust’s foodbank that disperse the food to people who might otherwise go hungry at Christmas.

On Thursday, the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Keith Orrell joined the team of staff members and volunteers to kick off the collection.

He said: “I am delighted to be able to kick off the food bank collection today at Tesco Tadcaster Road store, promoting and sharing the work they do to help the local area.

“Residents are able to show their support by contributing to the food bank collection, in store, over the three days.

"This is a great opportunity to raise awareness around hunger relief in the local community.”

Volunteers will greet customers with a list of items essential to the charities, with shoppers encouraged to pick up items to donate at the end of their shop.

This is the 11th year Tesco have run the initiative.

Last year more than 3.34 million meals were donated to food charities by customers around the UK but the supermarket is hoping that shoppers will be even more generous this time.

Community Champion for Tesco Askham bar, Caroline Macdonald, said: “It has been a fantastic few days in store.

"It’s humbling to see all walks of life from the college students to pensioners, put something in the trolley. People really want to help and this time of year brings it home how difficult it can be if you are struggling.”