Low cost food and clothes market to expand

The operation in Byker is moving to five days per week

A community centre in Newcastle which provides free meals, a food bank and a low cost market is expanding due to demand.

St Vincent's in Byker provides a three-course meal to more than 150 people every Tuesday. In the last year it has served 27,500 meals.

It also runs a Cost of Living Market every Thursday offering low cost food, clothes and household goods among other items.

Now it is turning its weekly pantry, used by about 250 people, into a five days per week service.

Catering supervisor Jan Cruikshanks said: "We wanted the local community who wouldn't access us for free to have a better shopping experience every day of the week... so they can shop with dignity. That's the most important thing."

• You can listen to more on this story on BBC Sounds

The market offers products including fresh food and baby items

The market provides a range of foods as well as hygiene products, baby food and clothes.

All the money raised from the pop-up goes back in to providing new stock.

Ms Cruikshanks told the BBC: "It's my passion. If I can help one person or 100, that's what it is about.

"To put a smile on someone's face or to help them eat that day, it is just the world."

However, donations have dropped by about 85% as people who would previously give to the centre are now using the service.

The market also sells clothes

Selva, a student and regular user of the service, said: "I work part time around my studies, but everything I make goes straight into my house.

"So stuff like this is a Godsend and it's something more people should know about."

Another customer, Lee, who works nearby, told the BBC: "I come down, have a bit of lunch, socialise, buy bits at the market and do some drawing.

"It's a good break. It's a supportive safe environment and you're able to share that."

St Vincent's relies heavily on volunteers and recruits from local job centres to offer people looking for work a chance to gain confidence and experience.

Jason Stovell, originally from Bermuda, said: "I started volunteering just before Christmas through the job centre.

"I wanted to use my character to get me a job and give this a shot and now I work here."

Carol Buirds, who has been volunteering for almost a year, added: "I feel like I've done something by the end of the day.

"And the people who come in are lovely. We're fulfilling more in their life beyond what they buy."

Follow BBC Newcastle on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].