People are being asked to donate long-life food items at Tesco to help people in need this festive season.

The supermarket has launched its 12th annual Winter Food Collection, with the aim of collecting much-needed items to help people in need.

The items donated will go to charities such as the Trussell Trust and FareShare to help those struggling with hunger and hardship.

Tesco's Group CEO, Ken Murphy, said: "Our partners tell us they’ve seen even more families needing their help and they expect demand to increase this winter, so we’re encouraging customers across Worcestershire to donate whatever they can to our Winter Food Collection.

"With frontline charities and foodbanks facing exceptionally high demand this year, pre-packed donation bags make it easy to make a big difference to someone else’s Christmas.

"We’ve boosted our ongoing support to FareShare and Trussell with a donation of £500,000 each this year to help them meet additional demand through the summer and winter holiday periods when family finances are facing the most strain."

Trussell research has shown that almost a quarter of children under four are facing hunger and hardship, while a record 9.3 million people in the UK are struggling.

FareShare's annual impact report revealed an 86 per cent increase in people accessing their services.

In response, Tesco is providing pre-packed customer donation bags at more stores, aiming to exceed the two million meals donated last year.

The bags, costing between £2 and £3, contain healthy, long-life items and can be picked up by Worcestershire customers in-store and paid for at the checkout.

Emma Revie, Trussell chief executive, said: "Food banks are a last resort for people who’ve been left facing hunger and hardship.

"They’re a lifeline, offering a warm welcome and space to be heard.

"But with so many people unable to afford the essentials right now, food banks are having to purchase record amounts of emergency food.

"I know times are tough for everyone at the moment but, the Tesco Winter Collection is the perfect opportunity to donate."

The collection runs in Express and large stores until Saturday (November 30).

Most needed items include UHT and powdered milk, tinned meat and fish, and sponge or rice pudding.