THE plight of a young couple who moved into Clun was the basis for a charitable group that is helping people in crisis in the Clun Valley.

The Community Larder and Advice Centre in Clun was launched as a result of a young couple moving into an Housing Association house in Clun late in 2012.

They came with only two single mattresses and a fridge, and no money.

"The first we local people knew about them was when there were reports of the young lady knocking on doors asking for food," said Douglas Ogram of the group.

“We worked with them over a number of months, arranging for a delivery of furniture from the then South Shropshire Furniture Scheme and helping to get their benefits sorted out.

“Generous donors provided them with a new cooker and washing machine. Eventually they went back to Ludlow.”

But the need had been demonstrated and the group was formed.

The vestry in St George’s Church was refurbished and storage provided to house the larder. A landline, broadband and computer have been installed at the church to help with the work.

In the year from June 2014 the group helped 28 adults and 15 associated children from eight- weeks-old to 18-years-old.

It provided 59 food parcels, not just as stopgaps for a couple of days, but enough to feed the adults and children for up to a week.

Mr Ogram says that demand is growing and recently seven food parcels went out in one week.

Working with agencies such as social workers and GPs, people in need are referred for assistance.

The main reason for people needing help relates to low incomes resulting from a number of factors including delays and cuts to benefits, redundancy, and bereavement.

A team of 35 volunteers operate the advice centre that is open every Thursday between 12.30pm and 2pm and from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.