STAFF at Golden Charter's office in Bearsden have donated hundreds of pounds worth of groceries to a local food bank.

Workers brought a variety of non-perishable goods to the office in an effort to ensure that families in need are kept from going hungry throughout the festive season.

The drive coincided with a charity Christmas jumper day, with all proceeds being used to buy more groceries for those who are struggling to make ends meet.

The donations were passed to Greater Maryhill Foodbank, an independent community food bank which provides essential support to much of the North Glasgow community.

Earlier this year, a report by Oxfam UK, the Trussell Trust and Church Action on Poverty stated that more than 20 million meals had been provided to people who could not afford to feed themselves in 2013, marking a 54% increase from the previous year.

Michael Corish, managing director (business) of Golden Charter, said: "As a local business, contributing to the community is high on our agenda which is why we're proud to support Greater Maryhill Foodbank.

"We hosted our first food bank drive last year when staff went to great efforts to help local people in need during the Christmas and New Year period, so there was no doubt that they would do the same again this time round.

"What started as a small cluster of carrier bags steadily grew into a mountain of boxes containing everything from tins of soup to toothpaste, with the collection demonstrating the big-hearted generosity of our employees as well as a commitment to helping others."

Golden Charter is the UK's leading funeral plan provider and employs almost 200 people at its head office at Canniesburn Toll, Bearsden. The company is experiencing a period of significant growth, recently picking up the award for Most Outstanding Business at the Glasgow Business Awards 2014.