Berwick Food Bank Extends Helping Hand To New B&M Store

A local charity that supports families in crisis were on hand to open B&M’s latest store.

Berwick welcomed its first B&M store on Saturday morning, the completion of which has created up to 50 jobs in the town.

Hundreds of shoppers turned out to bag a bargain at its convenient location on Castle Gate - at the site of the former Co-Op – and B&M were delighted to welcome a very special guest to help open the store.

The ribbon cutting was undertaken by representatives from the North Northumberland Food Bank and Mayor of Berwick, Councillor Isabel Hunter.

The Food Bank is the result of a partnership between local faith groups, the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Salvation Army, Berwick Community Trust and local Surestart Children’s Centres.

Distributing food and household supplies to people in crisis, the Food Bank has given out more than 2,000 parcels since it began operating and has helped more than 3,000 people.

The charity was nominated by the store colleagues themselves and received £250 worth of B&M vouchers as a thank you for opening the store. The charity was also on hand with a team of volunteers to bag pack for the first B&M customers, raising further money for the charity.

Julien Lake of Berwick Community Trust said: “B&M’s support is fantastic. It allows us to continue to ensure that people in crisis across North Northumberland get the help and support they need and that in difficult times people can still get food on the table.”

Neil Turner, Store Manager at B&M Berwick said: “B&M is committed to recruiting from the local area and I am delighted we’ve found a great team from in and around Berwick. We’re really proud to have created up to 50 jobs across the town this year and playing our part in the local community.”

A face painter was on hand throughout the day to entertain some of B&M’s youngest shoppers while customers received free B&M Bags for Life at the till.

Customers can expect a wide variety of branded and own label products from the new Bargains store, including groceries and toiletries as well as an extensive non-food section including toys, home, furniture and seasonal ranges.

For more information please visit our Berwick store.