The Salvation Army has appealed for food that will provide “fuel for the body” for needy Keighley people.

The Army needs essential items after facing a massive increase in calls for help from people affected by benefits cuts.

Particularly needed are tins of spam and corn beef, custard and rice pudding.

Salvation Army spokes-man Alison Gardner says these are easy for people to prepare even if they do not have electricity or gas to heat the food.

She said the need was for good carbohydrates and protein food – what she calls fuel for the body – rather than vegetables, fruit and soup.

Mrs Gardner said: “The need is massive. Since they made changes in the benefits, people are just not coping.”

People can donate food to the Salvation Army at its building in High Street from Mondays to Thursdays, from 9am to 3pm.