HEARTLESS lowlifes have been claiming emergency food bank parcels - then selling the items in the pub.

Their disgraceful actions are taking away vital donations from people who rely on them, especially at Christmas time.                  

Now North Ayrshire Foodbank are looking for the names of those responsible to stop them abusing the ‘vulnerable’ system.      

The North Ayrshire foodbank coordinator Craig issued this statement: "I'm truly saddened that individuals would abuse our service and the goodwill of those that support us.

"The Foodbank has today received a call from a concerned donor to make us aware that individuals receiving an emergency food box are selling the food in local pubs.

"Sadly, whilst we have been aware of incidents of this type the Foodbank is vulnerable to such abuse.

"If anybody is aware of such incidents we would be grateful to receive the names of those individuals allowing us to investigate and take appropriate action alongside the referring agency.

"Without a name there is no action we can take.

"I thank today's anonymous caller and fully understand their sense of disappointment and certainly do not want to lose the goodwill of donors by apparent inaction.

"We will do what we can.

"It is only having names that we can take fuller actions to protect the integrity of the donations.

"As is always the case the few spoil support for those in genuine need, which is why we work on a referral basis.

"As requested by the caller we will look again at our processes to see how this can be reduced if not eliminated.

"Thank you everybody for the greatly increased level of donations over this festive season.

"May it be a period of health and happiness."