Food bank's anti-loan shark campaign wins award

Blackpool Food Bank has supported the Stop Loan Sharks campaigns

A food bank has won an award for its "outstanding" work to tackle help loan sharks.

Blackpool Food Bank has been working with England's Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), which investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders and supports victims.

The food bank - which says it offers "discreet" help - has been made an official partner of the IMLT.

The charity's Kim Gill said people should know "there is a way out".

The accreditation programme run by the IMLT - also known as Stop Loan Sharks - rewards partners that raise awareness of illegal money lenders and their impact on communities and create safer spaces for people to live and work.

Ms Gill said loan sharks target vulnerable people but added the charity can provide help.

"You can get help without anybody knowing," she added.

Blackpool Food Bank sent out the IMLT's Stop Loan Sharks flyers with food parcels.

It also arranged free IMLT training and supported IMLT campaigns.

Tony Quigley, head of the IMLT, thanked the food bank for their "outstanding efforts".

"We are extremely grateful for the support of our partners across the country and rely on them to act as our eyes and ears in these communities.

"By working together, we can stamp out illegal money lending and protect residents from this awful crime," he said.

Victoria Blakeman, chief executive of Blackpool Food Bank, said it was pleased to have been able to support the IMLT and the Stop Loan Sharks campaigns.

"Together with our local partners we see daily the impact loan sharks and the associated debt can have on people and we will continue to support the work of the IMLT," she said.