A number of foodbanks across the North East will close on Bank Holiday Monday as the nation marks the Queen's funeral.
The Trussell Trust told the Mirror that food banks across the country were given the option to close or stay open depending on the needs of their community. And in the North East, Gateshead Foodbank announced it would close on Monday and reopen the following day.
Sunderland and County Durham Foodbank also confirmed that its foodbank distribution centres across Sunderland, Washington and County Durham will all be closed on the national day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II. Its foodbank warehouse will also be closed on Monday.
Read more: What time is the Queen's funeral? Millions set to tune into live coverage of state event
A spokesman for the Trussell Trust said: " Foodbanks are all independent, but we have emailed saying it is a bank holiday and they can decide what to do. It really depends on the local need on the ground, the volunteers will know if they are particularly quiet on a Monday, or if it is a busier day."
Volunteers man more than 1,300 foodbanks across the UK, with more popping up all the time to help with local need. Monday will also see most big supermarkets closed as a mark of respect for the Queen's funeral.
The funeral will take place at 11am on Monday, September 19 at Westminster Abbey. The public will be able to pay their respects 24 hours a day for four days until 6.30am on Monday, while the Queen lies in state in the Palace of Westminster.
More than 200,000 people queued to see the Queen Mother lying in state in 2002. Millions are expected to see the Queen with queues taking hours to get to the front.
Read next:
- Prince William pays heartfelt tribute to The Queen
- Prince Harry pays heartfelt tribute to Queen's 'everlasting legacy'
- Meghan Markle cancels TV appearance after King Charles 'olive branch'
- Prince Harry and Meghan join Prince William and Kate in Windsor
- Meghan Markle shares touching moment with royal aide at Windsor
