Tackling food poverty has been on the agenda for Green candidate Jack Lenox as he welcomed the party's deputy leader to Whitehaven.

Mr Lenox and Amelia Womack visited the North Lakes Foodbank, based in the New Life Church, to meet with the centre's management to discuss its work and the contributory factors towards its increased usage.

Miss Womack said: "It is heartening to hear about the great work done by the people and groups behind the foodbanks. At the same time, some of the stories about people who have to use the service are heartbreaking.

"I believe that the Green Party policy to introduce a Universal Basic Income would provide a positive way out of poverty along with a human approach.”

Mr Lenox added: "The issues of food and fuel poverty need to be taken seriously by politicians and solutions need to implemented. I hope that people recognise the great work done here and encourage anyone in need to please make use of this service."

Mr Lenox is contesting Thursday's Parliamentary by-election against Trudy Harrison (Conservative), Gillian Troughton (Labour), Fiona Mills (Ukip), Rebecca Hanson (Liberal Democrats) and independents Michael Guest and Roy Ivinson.