A FOOTBALL team has been inspired by the community work of Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and his battle against food poverty.

Kendal County’s chairman Kris Clough and secretary Dan Ferguson decided to help Kendal-based charity Manna House by placing a food bin outside Castle Stores, located off Parkside Road in Kendal on the Castle estate, where anyone who wishes to can donate tins of food which will be distributed to the charity.

The pair felt inspired after watching Marcus Rashford’s documentary ‘Feeding Britain's Children.'

Mr Clough said: “Kendal County always has been a family and community club, which has been supported by local people and business over the years so we thought it’s about time we gave something back.

“We know we’re not going to change the world but if we can put a meal on the table for one person then we’ve made a difference.

“We're hoping that people who can afford to do so might buy something extra for the food bin. The club will empty the donations on a regular basis and deliver them to Manna House.”

Mr Ferguson added: “I wanted to have an impact in my local community and help address some of the issues raised by Marcus Rashford's documentary, so I did some research and got in touch with Cllr Chris Hogg and we came up with an idea of how we could help a Kendal Foodbank.”

Cllr Chris Hogg said he was delighted to help the team with the initiative.

“It's been a pleasure to help the club and Castle Stores support people who find themselves in need at this time,” he said.

“They were inspired by Marcus Rashford but I'm sure their efforts will also inspire others too.”

Manna House chief officer Andrea Aldridge said: “We are so pleased that Kendal County is donating on behalf of Manna House’s many clients, who are quite vulnerable and in need of the food, material assistance and emotional support Manna House has continued to provide throughout the pandemic.

“We have been humbled by our community’s thoughtfulness towards those who are homeless and struggling to make ends meet, and this effort from Kendal County is a great example of what is possible when people pull together.”