A changing of the guard took place at Barnet foodbank.

The foodbank's founder Sheila Gallagher passed the keys of the foodbank, based at the Salvation Army, in Albert Road, Barnet, to Martine Whitaker, who became the new project co-ordinator.

Ms Gallagher set up the project at the Salvation Army more than two years ago but has now decided to step down from the role.

The food bank opens twice a week between 12pm and 2pm on Tuesdays and on Saturdays between 10am and 12pm.

Ms Whitaker, who has been a volunteer for the foodbank since the start, is delighted to be taking over the new position.

She said: “I will have to keep food coming in and staying in touch with people who have food vouchers so that they are still getting the food.

“Ideally we would never want to have a foodbank but we now have two in this current climate. We hope people will continue to donate regularly because everything adds up.

“I have been involved since the start and I’ve done a bit more and more down the years and I am delighted to be taking on this new role and getting food to people who need it most.”

Ms Gallagher admitted that since launching the scheme, there has been a steady demand for food in the area.

She said: “I will still be volunteering and a member of the trustee, I am very happy to be able to hand over the responsibility and I am very confident in Martine will do an excellent job.”