THE Trussell Trust has warned that its foodbanks in the North-West braced for the busiest-ever Christmas season as new figures suggest record number of people are in financial crisis.

It is concerned new figures from last year, taken alongside the increase in aid parcels needed so far this year, suggest more people than ever will need a foodbank’s help in the region.

Data released today (WEDNESDAY) shows December 2018 was the busiest month for food banks across the UK last year.

In the North West, 25,703 three-day emergency food parcels were provided by food banks in the Trussell Trust’s network to people in crisis in December last year and 11,148 of these went to children.

This is a nine per cent increase from the same month in 2017.

In Greater Manchester a total of 8,609 aid parcels were given out by the charity's foodbanks (including Bolton, Atherton and Farnworth) , 4,900 to adults and 3,709 to help children

Its chief executive Emma Revie said: “Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration – but for too many people in the North-West it’s becoming harder and harder to keep their heads above water.

"There are two simple things people can do to make a real difference. First, find out what items their local food bank is most in need of and donate as soon as possible.

"Then ask all their local candidates up for election to pledge to protect people from hunger by making sure everyone has enough money for the basics."