A FOODBANK has made an urgent plea for donations of toiletries.

Volunteers from the Church of Scotland-run foodbank in Shettleston say they "desperately" low in basic hygiene items.

They are looking for donations of soap, deodorants, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toilet rolls and nappies as well as tampons and sanitary towels.

Terry Lavelle, a volunteer at the foodbank, said: "We are desperately low in all types of toiletries for basic hygiene items, such as soap, deodorants for men and women, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet rolls, and nappies.

"It is very disheartening when we are not in a position to offer these most basic requirements to our less fortunate."

The foodbank meets on Friday afternoons between 2pm and 4pm at Shettleston Old Parish Church on Killin Street.

Earlier this year the Trussell Trust welcomed changes, which it hopes may encourage more donations of sanitary products.

In March, the then Prime Minister David Cameron confirmed an end to the so-called 'tampon tax.'

It comes after several years of campaigning against the five per cent VAT imposed on all sanitary items - which are deemed a "luxury item".

While foodbank bosses praised the government for ending tax on sanitary products, they said the reality is that these items will still be too expensive for some women to buy.

For more information on how to make a donation, email terry.gerry@btinternet.com