VALE Foodbanks will received a donation of £2370.53 due to the success of the Cyd Cymru energy switching scheme.

The collective energy switching scheme, which was launched in 2013 by the Vale of Glamorgan council, saved customers an average of £185 per household in its first year.

Since its launch more than 5,000 people have registered with the scheme which uses collective buying power to negotiate a range of unique tariffs.

For every satisfied customer, money is paid into a community fund.

A total of £19,000 has been raised to date and has just been distributed amongst participating local authorities.

The amount each council receives depends on the number of people living in that area who have made the switch.

The Vale received £2370.53 and at a cabinet meeting last week it was agreed to donate this to the four foodbanks in the Vale.

The money will be split equally between the four distribution centres which are; Barry Tennyson Road, Barry St Marys Church Holton Road, Dinas Powys and Llantwit Major.

Councillor leader Neil Moore said: “The Cyd Cymru scheme has been a great success. At a time of increasing levels of fuel poverty it has not only enabled hundreds of people across Wales to drastically cut their energy bills but has also generated £19,000 for good causes in the local community.

“Food banks help some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“We had decided at the outset of the programme that we would donate any money the Vale received from the community fund to food banks in the county.

“I am delighted to be able to hand over £2300 to help them continue their invaluable work.”

More information and details on how to register can be found at www.cydcymru-energy.com or call 0800 093 5902.