ALMOST 650kg of food has been donated to the food bank by beavers in Thornbury in an incredible trick-or-treat campaign this Halloween.

Members of the public were invited to donate to the Second Thornbury Beavers collection as they went door-to-door around the town last Tuesday, and during a stint at Tesco, during which they filled five trolleys in four hours.

The idea for the group’s mission was suggested by seven-year-old Lewis Tucker, who collected an incredible 288kg last year with his brother Connor in a similar campaign.

Thirty boxes, weighing an astonishing 647.78kg, was handed over to the food bank on Friday at Thornbury Baptist Church.

Lewis said he was very proud of what everyone had managed to achieve and surprised they had raised so much.

He said: “It was really nice to be able to do this because we were able to raise so much and it will help so many people.

“We want to say a big thank you to everyone who gave us something.”

Second Thornbury Beavers leader Anna Byrne said she was “fantastically proud” of the children for embracing the charitable spirit of the event.

“They had a brilliant time trick-or-treating,” she said. “Everyone had a lot of fun and the response from the public has been great.

“For children of this age group to appreciate there are people less well off than them, and that they can do something to make a difference for others, is tremendous.

“Last year when Lewis and his brother first did the trick-or-treating it was a great idea, and has just gone from success to success.

“Hopefully we can build on that for next year and do it again!”

Mair Vaughan, who runs Thornbury Foodbank, said it was wonderful to see the beavers in action.

“We are amazed they exceeded last year’s donations,” she said, “but this isn’t what’s important, although I know Lewis set himself a challenge to do better.

“We at Foodbank are so grateful that they wanted to do this again as it shows that they care for others and did something about it.”

Foodbank volunteer Bronny Bennett, who received the donation, added: “I wasn’t expecting this much at all. I’m excited and amazed by what they have been able to accomplish.

“We were all very eager to find out just how much there was were absolutely gobsmacked by the final total.”

She added: “There are a lot of people in our community who are having a tough time at the moment, and this donation will really help them out.

“It is important for everyone to know that they are so grateful. it does go a long way to make life a little easier for them.

“For me it’s amazing to know we have the support of these guys and the local community so a big thank you goes out to them.”

To find out more about Thornbury Foodbank, visit www.thornburybaptistchurch.org.uk.