NEVER has the need for Black Country Foodbank been greater.

The organisation, which has been running since 2006 has been nominated in the Best Community Project or Group category in the Dudley Borough Community Awards.

From their headquarters in Albion Street, Brierley Hill, The Black Country Foodbank covers the boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall.

In total, the Foodbank services 26 sites, all of which are supported by volunteers who come from all walks of life.

Volunteer driver John Butler, a former bank manager said: "I volunteer two days a week because, like all the other volunteers, I just wanted to give something back.

"Our volunteers range from retired people to youngsters. I couldn't say how many "I've been volunteering for the past six years and it has really opened my eyes.

"For the past couple of years, it has been getting increasingly harder to receive donations of food..

"Our amount of stock has gone down, while the demand for food has increased.

"By nominating the Foodbank for an award, I hope it helps highlight the current need.

"I'm told our Dudley Foodbank in Birdcage Walk is one of the busiest in the country."

The foodbank has around 30 volunteers at its headquarters and a further 100 volunteers at 27 distribution centres around the region.

They issue emergency food parcels to anyone in need and work with community groups to provide one-off or regular events like soup kitchens.

Black Country Foodbank is just one of many nominations for the Dudley Borough Community Awards, where the winners will be revealed at an exclusive black tie event on Thursday, November 23 at the Copthorne Hotel in Dudley.

The closing date for nominations is noon on September 24.

If any businesses would like to help sponsor the awards they can email debra.orr@localiq.co.uk