A SOMERSET food bank that lost a ‘considerable amount of food’ after a break-in has praised the community after receiving a flood of donations.

The Transforming Loves food bank, run by the Martock Christian Fellowship, was targeted by thieves overnight between September 4 and 5.

Raiders smashed a window and entered the food bank premises, at Church Street, making three visits to steal the food – destined for those in need.

A spokesperson for the fellowship said staff and volunteers had been left ‘devastated’ by the incident.

“If they (the thieves) were in need, all they had to do was ask and it would have been given,” they said.

Now, after news of the burglary emerged, the community has rallied in support of the organisation.

A spokesperson said the organisation had been ‘blown away’ by the ‘phenomenal response’.

A Just Giving page has been set up to allow anyone wishing ti help to make a donation to replacing the stolen items, as well as improving security at the premises.

For more information – and to make a donation – log on to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/transforminglivesmartock

* A man in his 30s has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in police custody.