THE busiest foodbank in the east of England has been recognised for its work in the community.

Colchester Foodbank, based in Tollgate Shopping Centre, scooped the Third Sector Champion Award 2022 by charity Living Wage Foundation.

It follows calls to Essex County Council from foodbank bosses imploring the authority to become a real living wage employer, with Colchester Council joining the campaign in 2020.

The foodbank, which has long-term ambitions to become defunct, is also campaigning for there to be a weekly uplift to benefits and a reduction in Universal Credit waiting times.

Foodbank boss Michael Beckett said: “We’ll continue to raise this with all local councillors until we secure change.

“We have also urged other local charities, institutions and other foodbanks in our network to take action to lead by example and support the real living wage.

“Our hard work was recognised with the award of the Real Living Wage Champion Award, Third Sector Champion, at an inspiring evening full of incredible stories of change and hope.”