The manager of a struggling foodbank has been nominated for the Watford Observer Community Heroes Award.

Andrew Tranter, trustee and manager for Watford Foodbank, was recommended for the award by Watford and West Herts Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Chris Luff.

Mr Luff, who has been rallying business partners to ensure the foodbank receives a steady stream of provisions through his ‘Foodbank Friday’ initiative, said: “I would like to nominate Andrew for the award.

“Working with Andrew and local businesses such as VWV Solicitors, Watford and Three Rivers Trust, St John’s School, The Princes Trust, Sarratt Office Supplies, Watford Football Club and Clarendon Connect has been amazing.

“Not just working to collect much-needed supplies but also focusing on the longer-term needs and support infrastructure.

“This is a great example of how growing our local Chamber network can help organisations connect to make a real impact.”

Mr Luff also recommended Sarratt Office Supplies founder Alan Gray.

Andrew, who has worked at Watford Food Bank since it opened six years ago, previously worked for New Hope, a charity for the homeless.

He recently reported to the Watford Observer client usage had doubled in a year, largely owing to Universal Credit.

He said: “Currently, we distribute between five and six tonnes of food a month. This has doubled since last year.

“The reason is Universal Credit. It caused problems for people who faced weeks without pay and we are still suffering. It had a marked impact on our food stores.”

Andrew, who is 74, is committed to providing a better quality of life to those who use his foodbank and has even discussed seeking funding to help people pay for their heating.

He said: ““We are looking at ways of helping people with a way of topping up heating cards.

“At the moment, we would have to go with them and pay for it ourselves.

“We are hoping to get some funding to ringfence that project.”

Watford and West Herts Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Chris Luff, and his partners propose to launch the first Food Bank Friday under ‘Clarendon Road Collects’, on November 16.

For more information of how your organisation can be involved contact Chris/Saffron on 01923 442442 or email chris.luff@watford-chamber.co.uk

To learn more about Watford Food Bank, visit https://watford.foodbank.org.uk/