A POLLOK-based support group has handed out more than 13,000 meals since they launched, after humble beginnings at a local parent council.

The Gowanbank Hub was created by a group from Gowanbank Primary School's parent council after identifying a need for food and further support in the area.

The team comprises of Dawn Peart, Leeann Jackson and Billy Coull, who launched the idea in February.

Dawn, president of the Gowanbank Parent council, said: "This has all grown so quickly, we are so shocked.

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"We moved into our current premise in March after being kicked out of the school for getting too big and we've already had to lease the downstairs."

The volunteer group run a foodbank which has helped to feed hundreds of families, with support from Morrison's Cardonald and Newlands, and charity HiS Church among others, although Billy says that food is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to support that the team offer.

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He said: "It sounds weird but the overall aim of our job is to not have this an issue anymore - we want to lose our jobs.

"One of the biggest issues for us is that people aren't just handed over a food parcel and sent on their way.

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"It helps in the short-term but they could find themselves back here again.

"That's why we offer further support which will help people with things like employability skills, as well as offering protection from certain situations like domestic violence."

Gowanbank Hub has now also launched an online form to order from the foodbank, which is thought to be one of the first online portals in the UK for the service.

With the ever-growing operation, the group are helped by volunteers, many of whom are those that have used the service before.

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Dawn said: "We get so much feedback from people that makes this all worth it.

"We get letters, people coming in and even just talking to people on the street.

"Just knowing that you've made this difference to someone's life in unbelievable.

"But it's not about us. We'll be here for as long as people need us."