Thousands of West Cumbrians are being forced to turn to food handouts by benefit delays and changes.

North Lakes Foodbank handed out 5,675 three-day emergency food supplies in the year to March 31.

More than half of claimants sought the help due to benefits being delayed or changed.

Copeland MP Jamie Reed added: "These figures further demonstrate how out of touch and complacent the Government is.

"Thousands of people are relying on food banks in order to feed their families.

"That thousands of people still rely on foodbanks, including thousands of children, is a damning indictment of the Government's record.

"People are being pushed into hardship and it is time for the Government to get its priorities in order and provide the assistance that these families need."

The North Lakes Foodbank was launched in 2009.

It gives three-day food boxes via a voucher system to people in need across West Cumbria, who have to be referred to the service.

The foodbank, which collects about 50 tonnes of food each year, has distribution points in Whitehaven and Egremont.

Up to 128,295 meals were handed out by the foodbank last year, with the average claimant using the foodbank twice.

As well as benefit problems, crises causing people to turn to the foodbank include debt, being homeless or having a low income.

Nearly six per cent of people using the foodbank were in Whitehaven's Harbour ward.

Sandwith ward made up four per cent of the foodbank's users.

Mirehouse ward made up three per cent.