Last-minute Christmas shoppers hoping to find the perfect turkey this weekend are being asked to buy a few extra cans of food to help stock a new foodbank.

The scheme is being organised by churches in Borehamwood and Elstree after Community Action Hertsmere revealed people in the borough were having to choose between paying their bills and buying food.

People shopping in Morrisons, in Stirling Way, Borehamwood, can pick up cans of meat, soup or vegetables and donate it to the foodbank Friday and Saturday.

Members of Elstree and Borehamwood Rotary Club, which supports the project, will be on hand to encourage shoppers to spread a bit of festive cheer.

The Rev Richard Leslie, president of the club, said: “We hope customers will think of others during the pre-Christmas rush.

“We want people to help the Rotary Club in its aim to help those who are facing very challenging times.”

The group has been collecting food in other supermarkets over recent weeks.

Hertsmere Together, co-ordinated by Hertsmere Borough Council, agreed to set aside £3,500 to start the project after the report by Community Action Hertsmere said there was a “clear and immediate need” for a food bank.

The new foodbank will open in the new year in the car park of St Teresa’s Church, in Shenley Road, Borehamwood.

Planning permission to build two cabins on the site was granted earlier this year.