THE demand for food banks continues to grow in the region, with a new distribution centre opening in an affluent County Durham town.

This week, a food bank opened in Sedgefield, where according to property website Zoopla.co. uk, the typical house price is almost £40,000 above the county average of £134,000.

It takes the number of distribution centres run by County Durham Foodbank to 23.

Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson said it was a terrible that food parcels were needed but praised the work of the volunteers.

“Sedgefield may seem like an affluent place but there are still people struggling to get by,” he said. “Rents are higher and people have bills to pay. The more support we have across the area the better.”

Food bank volunteer Mick Hill added: “Sedgefield also has good transport links and we find some people prefer to go to food banks in different areas because they feel embarrassed.”

The food bank, at Sedgefield Methodist Church at North End, is open from noon to 2pm on Monday.

Sedgefield Area Churches Together will run the distribution point, in addition to existing food banks at St Alban’s Church in Trimdon Grange, from 2pm to 4pm on Wednesday and Friday, and Trimdon Village Hall, from 2pm to 4pm on Tuesday and Thursday.

For a full list of distribution centres in County Durham visit durham.foodbank.org.uk/how-it-works