A church in Cheshire has had it’s food bank van stolen for a second time.

The theft comes as volunteers continue to serve those struggling with the rising cost of living.

Today, the Trussell Trust announced record numbers of food parcels given out over the last 12 months, as more and more people find it difficult to put food on the table.

King’s Church Warrington provides meals for hundreds of people via their Ford Transit; they have seen demand double over the last six months.

The initiative – called The Kings Table - started in 2020, at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, but was initially disrupted in 2021 when the first theft occurred.

The second, bought as a replacement, was stolen last week.

Despite the difficult situation, the church leader has extended grace to those behind the thefts.

Speaking to BBC News, he said: “We want to be clear that we don't bear ill will towards them.”

"We want them to find a better way in life. We hope they can move away from this and we will be praying for them."

"We feed hundreds of people a week, we have never been so busy," he said.

"With the cost of living crisis and food tripling in price, we have been under quite a bit of pressure and this has now made it a lot more difficult. There is a big knock on for us."

Cheshire Police continue to investigate the disappearance and are appealing for information.