A care home has donated dozens of items to help local families in need.

The effort was part of this year’s Harvest Festival, celebrated each September.

Residents and staff at Care UK’s Ancasta Grove in Barnes Lane, Southampton, urged the community to donate unused or unwanted non-perishable food items to the home’s foodbank drop-off point.

The items will be given to the Fareham Food Bank.

The foodbank drop-off point was in Ancasta Grove’s reception area for several weeks, collecting numerous items for donation.

Resident Frances Weaver, 93, said she was proud to be able to help those less fortunate.

She said: "I loved being involved in this donation. Too many people today are struggling, so it’s wonderful to support in any way. We are blessed to live here."

Audrey Chiduku, home manager at Ancasta Grove, said: "At Ancasta Grove, we are always looking for ways to give back and support our community and local charities, which is why we were delighted to partner with Fareham Food Bank and launch our first ever foodbank drop-off point.

"In these challenging times, we know many people may be struggling, and with Christmas fast approaching, it’s more important than ever to support foodbanks, which provide a vital lifeline for many members of our local community.

"We hope the donations will help families in need of support across Southampton during the colder months."

This week, the home presented the donations to foodbank representative Phil Rutt at a special handover. These items will now be distributed to families in need within the community.

The Harvest Festival is an annual celebration that marks the gathering of crops from the fields, allowing people to express gratitude for the food they have.