Hungry children are 'ripping the bags open to get at the food', says Burnley pastor

Pastor Mick Fleming delivering food to a home in Burnley. (Photo: BBC News)

A pastor in Burnley distributing food to the local community has spoken of "unprecedented and upsetting" levels of need after nearly a year of coronavirus.

Mick Fleming, of Church on the Street, wept as he told the BBC that in some homes he has visited, hungry children have been "ripping the bags open to get at the food".

"It's not all right, that. That's not all right," he said. 

Fleming has been distributing hot meals for poor members of the local community throughout the pandemic. He echoed what many church leaders have been saying - that the crisis is hitting the poorest the hardest. 

"Politicians say it was a leveller, this coronavirus; it's a lie because if you're poor you've got no chance," he said.

The pastor said that some of the people who turn up to the food distribution at night have jobs but still cannot make ends meet. 

"The need's massive, absolutely colossal," he said. 

"The level of need here in Burnley I think is unprecedented and it's upsetting," he added. 

News
Church of England appoints new Lead Safeguarding Bishop
Church of England appoints new Lead Safeguarding Bishop

The Bishop of Tewkesbury, Robert Springett, has been appointed as the Church of England’s new Lead Safeguarding Bishop.

Presbyterian Moderator steps down over 'serious and significant' safeguarding failings
Presbyterian Moderator steps down over 'serious and significant' safeguarding failings

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rev Trevor Gribben, has stepped down over alleged safeguarding failings that placed people "at risk".

Clergy in Ukraine work to heal psychological trauma of war
Clergy in Ukraine work to heal psychological trauma of war

Returning soldiers and families feel the strain of war, but clergy are not immune either, says a local bishop.

Church's mission unchanged, says bishop as Isle of Man moves to end voting rights
Church's mission unchanged, says bishop as Isle of Man moves to end voting rights

The Isle of Man has come a step closer to removing the voting rights of the local bishop after a vote on a constitutional bill in the Tynwald.