Peeblesshire Foodbank is facing its biggest challenge to date as coronavirus hits the most vulnerable.

Panic-buyers have stripped shops of stock and donations are feared to dwindle in the coming weeks.

But many Tweeddale residents have displayed admirable generosity, according to the foodbank's deputy manager.

James Morrison said: “The people of Peeblesshire have clearly been paying attention to the news and the impact the virus has been having on donations.

“People appear to have answered the call and have donated substantial stock.”

Last week the foodbank fed 25 adults, 15 children and a few pets, revealed Mr Morrison.

“Quite a few were families that had lost their jobs and had no income," he said.

This week supplies have been delivered to a few families, but as the crisis worsens and with the UK now in lockdown, Mr Morrison warns the foodbank's struggle will become more intense.

He said: “We are very lucky that lots of people donated items last week, but now that less people can get out, or due to lack of food on the supermarket shelves, I fear there will be less donations.”

The logistics of feeding the hungry have become more complex, too. Many of the foodbank’s volunteers are in the “high risk” category for coronavirus.

Mr Morrison said: “Due to the ages of many volunteers and that they may have underlying health issues we will have a reduced service meantime in terms of staff attendance. We will however continue to deliver when required although this may not be an immediate service.”

The foodbank unit at Cavalry Park is now closed to the public, but deliveries are being distributed as normal.

Mr Morrison said: “As the unit is very small, we are only operating with minimal volunteers. As you can imagine many people have been affected by the virus and we appreciate the support of communities.”

The food bank is currently low on lentils, rice, jam, sugar, instant mash, sponge puddings, shampoo, and deodorant.

Panic-buyers have caused foodbank stocks to plummet at a time when they most need donations.

Charities are warning that the virus is hurting the neediest people, including those who have lost their jobs and the elderly.

A desperate plea to the public asking people to donate resulted in big-hearted locals in Peebles topping up food bank baskets in supermarkets.

Deputy manager James Morrison said: “The people of Peeblesshire have clearly been paying attention to the news and the impact the virus has been having on donations.

“People appear to have answered the call and have donated substantial stock.”

Last week the foodbank fed 25 adults, 15 children and a few pets. “Quite a few were families that had lost their jobs and had no income,” said James.

This week supplies have been delivered to a few families, but as the crisis worsens and the UK now in lockdown, James warns the situation will only get worse.

He said: “We are very lucky that lots of people donated items last week, but now that less people can get out, or due to lack of food on the supermarket shelves, I fear there will be less donations.”

However, food and supplies for the needy are not the only challenges, the logistics of feeding the hungry have become complex. Many of the foodbank’s volunteers are in the “high risk” category for coronavirus.

James explained: “Due to the ages of many volunteers and that they may have underlying health issues we will have a reduced service meantime in terms of staff attendance. We will however continue to deliver when required although this may not be an immediate service.”

The foodbank unit at Cavalry Park is now closed to the public, but deliveries are being distributed as normal.

James said: “As the unit is very small, we are only operating with minimal volunteers. As you can imagine many people have been affected by the virus and we appreciate the support of communities.”

The food bank is currently low on lentils, rice, jam, sugar, instant mash, sponge puddings, shampoo, and deodorant.