Tyne Tees Foodbanks

Many of the 500,000 who live in poverty in our region lack basic cleaning and cleanliness products and charities say demand for such items is on the rise.

Volunteers at Key2Life in South Shields say more people self-isolating has led to a rise in demand, and donations are declining.

Marianne Allan, who runs Cambois Primary School in Northumberland, said she was stepping in after MPs voted against extending free meals over the holidays.