Women across Dumbarton and the Vale are planning a sponsored 13-mile walk in honour of a vital foodbank service for the area.

The ladies are calling for residents to help give donations to Dumbarton-based Food For Thought, based in St Augustine’s Church, next week.

Food For Thought is run solely by volunteers, including Rev Kenny Macaulay, and relies on donations from members of the public and organisations.

They help families across the area and encourage people to donate items such as milk, sugar, cereal, tea and coffee and fruits and vegetables as well as toiletries and baby supplies such as nappies and wipes.

One of those organising the day is West Dunbartonshire councillor Caroline McAllister (pictured below).

She said: “A group of us regularly go walking together and we were discussing the rollout of Universal Credit which is due to begin soon.

“We realised that Food For Thought would already be under pressure and that would be likely rise when Universal Credit is introduced.

“Obviously, politically we will be continuing to lobby to government about the problems this will cause but this was a way to bring people together and try and do something to help.”

The group will begin their walk in Clydebank near the indoor market before making the 13-mile walk to Moss O’Balloch park.

There will be donation points at both Clydebank and Balloch for anyone wishing to support the walkers on the day.

Caroline added: “What has been really impressive is the number of older women who are not able to do the full walk but who want to join us for some of it. There are others who cannot do the walk at all but have asked to help at our donation points throughout the day.

“We’ve also been contacted by some local WASPI co-ordinators who want to help at our Balloch donation point and maybe speak to some local women about their work.

“It’s a great example of the community all coming together which deserves more of a platform and it’s all in keeping with our ethos about getting people active.”

The walk takes place on Saturday, November 10, donation points will be held in Clydebank at 10 to 12pm and Moss O’Balloch from 12pm to 2pm.

For more information , call 01389 734514.