A BARRHEAD pastor has been hailed as a local hero for supporting the community through his foodbank.

Ken Trench set up East Renfrewshire’s first foodbank, which opened in Barrhead in 2013 and has since played a vital role in providing help to those most in need.

And, as the coronavirus crisis continues, the Spirit of Life Church pastor has been busier than ever.

Aileen Barron, a member of Ken’s congregation, contacted the Barrhead News to highlight the good work he has been doing during the lockdown.

“I have known Ken for about two years and one of the things that has impressed me most about him is that he doesn’t talk about all the good things he does in the community,” she said.

“He just cares about people and set up the foodbank to help those in need. Although there are some areas that are in an okay financial position, there are areas that are in need of help.

“The foodbank has been very successful, with a lot of generous people donating provisions.

“With everything happening at the moment, we have been told to stay away from work and keep our distance from other people but Ken has been looking after everyone and caring for the older people in the parish.”

The foodbank was developed seven years ago with support from local churches and members of the community, all determined to play their part in an effort to provide emergency food for those in need.

Aileen hopes that highlighting Ken’s work through the pages of the Barrhead News will be a nice surprise for him.

“Ken is a real hero in this area and it would be good to recognise his work,” she said.

“Not everyone in his congregation lives locally but he is able to support them by carrying out online services and is happy to pray for people who need support.”