A MILFORD Haven-based charity that supports those in financial crisis will receive a Lidl boost, as it celebrates its tenth birthday this month.

Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship (PATCH) will begin receiving surplus food from Lidl supermarket on June 4.

Lidl stores in Milford Haven, Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock will all donate the items via its neighbourly scheme.

The donations will be received in Milford Haven four days a week, Haverfordwest four days a week and twice-weekly in Pembroke Dock.

PATCH manager Tracy Olin said: "It's our 10th birthday this week, so it seems like a lovely gift to celebrate the 10 years of helping those in poverty in Pembrokeshire.

"It makes a huge difference to be able to give out fresh fruit and vegetables to clients. They really appreciate it and it means we rarely run out of tinned fruit and vegetables.

"We let clients help themselves to the bakery products that are donated. Many who own a freezer can fill it up and know that they will have items such as bread to last them for a while."

PATCH opened in June 2008 and helps those in need on a referral-only basis. Aldi in Haverfordwest was the first supermarket to donate surplus food about two-an-a-half years ago. Tesco stores across the county, Marks and Spencer and Morrisons now also regularly donate.

Tracy added: "The idea behind these surplus food donations is that not only does it prevent good food being wasted and sent to landfill, it also now goes to those who really need it."

To find out more about PATCH - including how to get a referral - call 01646 699275 or visit www.patchcharity.org.uk