NORTH West residents are the most generous when it comes to supporting food charities at Christmas, statistics reveal.

A survey conducted by YouGov and commissioned by Tesco shows that the North West is the most generous region for supporting local food charities for vulnerable people.

Despite the chaos and excitement of the festive season, more than a third (39 per cent) of the thoughtful North West public donate to food charities, which is more than Wales (38 per cent), South East (37 per cent) and Scotland (37 per cent).

The survey also shows that females (38per cent) donate more than their male counterparts, while the 18-25 age group is the most generous (38 per cent) when it comes to helping food charities in the lead up to Christmas.

This news comes in the week that the latest Neighbourhood Food Collection was launched at the Tesco store in Little Lever.

As part of this initiative, customers are encouraged to donate food to those in need at Tesco stores across the country.

Food donations will go to either FareShare, a food redistribution charity, or The Trussell Trust, a food banks charity.

Tesco provides a 30 per cent top up to the charities based on the collective weight of donated goods.

Greg Sage, community director at Tesco, said: “It’s encouraging that people still think food poverty is a serious issue that needs to be tackled, and so many have donated to food banks as a result.

"It’s hugely important that we dig deep and do what we can to help people who are in need this Christmas.

“This year we want to break records and provide more meals for people in need than ever before."

Residents can donate food at Tesco stores across the UK this weekend.