A CHARITABLE food delivery service has been "inundated" with offers to help, saving the good cause from being overwhelmed with a "huge upsurge in demand".

The Food Train, which is rolling its service into the Wee County having proven successful in Stirling for years, has seen some hectic days in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak and ensuing lockdown.

And while many volunteers have been forced into self-isolation, a "huge wake of kindness" from locals means more deliveries are being made to vulnerable people than ever before.

Stuart Miller, regional manager for the Stirling and Clackmannanshire Food Train, said: "Food Train is a service that runs on the kindness of others.

"For eight and a half years we have relied on our brilliant team of volunteers to ensure that vulnerable older adults can get the food and groceries they need week in and week out.

"In the last few weeks the threat of the Covid-19 has meant that a large proportion of our volunteers have had to go into self-isolation due to being in a high risk category or living with people who are, and have therefore taken the necessary action to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

"With the huge upsurge in demand also brought about by the virus the service was in serious danger of being completely overwhelmed.

"However, the response from the general public with offers to help us has been truly remarkable."

Meanwhile, the charity is appealing for hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes. Anyone able to help is asked to email fundraising@thefoodtrain.co.uk to assist.

Stuart added: "We have been inundated with offers of volunteering and thanks to this huge wave of kindness we are now making more deliveries to vulnerable older adults than ever before.

"Words cannot truly capture the gratitude I have for these people, but I would like to take this opportunity to give my huge thanks to all past, present and soon to be Food Train volunteers for your generosity.

"By giving your time and energy to Food Train you are supporting the older members of our community to remain safe and healthy and these efforts truly are heroic."

Anyone looking to help out can email stirling@thefoodtrain.co.uk to offer help.