WHILE the weather and economic climate is wintry, one Winchester charity has enjoyed a dazzling 2009.

The Winchester Basics Bank, which collects food and clothing for residents in need, has received a record number of donations.

But while 2009 was its best year so far, the charity also saw a rise in the number of people asking for help. In just three days leading up to Christmas, it received 150 requests.

To meet the demand, around 30 schools and no fewer than 23 churches in the district sent in donations during the year.

They included St Barnabas Church in Weeke, which donated its Christmas collection, and pupils at Henry Beaufort School in Winchester, who donated a food package last month (December).

Sainsbury's and Waitrose also backed the charity along with telecoms firm, Arqiva, at Crawley near Winchester. Chandler's Ford Methodist Youth Group and the 1st Winchester Scouts also played their part.

The charity now plans to attend 'Homelessness Sunday' at the Winchester Night Shelter in Jewry Street. It will take place from 11am to 2pm on Sunday, January 31, and the Basics Bank will run a stall at the information event.

It will also hold its AGM on Wednesday, March 17, from noon to 1pm at Christ Church in Christchurch Road, Winchester.

For more details about the charity, which is based at Milland Road in Bar End, call 01962 855774.