A FOOD bank in West Oxfordshire celebrating its second anniversary is currently needed more than ever, according to its founder.

Witney-based Oxfordshire West Food Bank has helped 350 people since it was set up by Jo Cypher on April 18 two years ago.

She said it used to hand out parcels to between two and five people each week when it first started but for the past two months it has served between nine and 12 people a week.

Mrs Cypher, 40, said: “I was hoping we would get to a stage where we could say we are not needed anymore but it’s getting worse— it’s the highest number since we started.

“I didn’t expect it to get to this level but the cost of living is going up and benefits are being cut.’’ Food bank volunteer Mel Hopkins, 44, who lives near Stanton Harcourt, was one of those who benefited shortly after the food bank was set up.

Ms Hopkins said: “The food parcels were so vital and I don’t know what I would have done without them.’’ Prime Minister and Witney MP David Cameron has visited the food bank and Labour Party leader Ed Miliband has donated food.