MUSIC is the food of love for a musician who is using her forthcoming release to raise money for Colchester Foodbank.

Ashleagh Hurren writes, records and performs music under the pseudonym, Polly Preacher.

Her next release is a cover version of the 1996 track When You’re Gone by The Cranberries and all proceeds raised from downloads of the track will be donated to Colchester Foodbank.

Ashleagh, , of Gloucester Avenue, Colchester, who is a former Colchester Sixth Form College student and works for Chandos Records, said: “It really felt like it should be in aid of a charitable cause.

“I decided to pick one where I could see the results directly in my own community.

“Foodbanks receive a spike in donations around Christmas but this can drop off throughout the year.’’

The dream-pop musician also praised the work carried out by community foodbanks but said they are struggling to fully combat food poverty.

She said: “It’s a complex issue but food poverty is clearly a much bigger issue than community foodbanks can directly address.

“But each day foodbanks provide emergency parcels which stop people from going hungry. It’s an amazing feat.

In January, Colchester Foodbank gave out 274 standard parcels, feeding 492 adults and 290 children.

This is an increase from the year before when 367 adults and 184 children benefitted from the 180 parcels in January 2018.

Colchester Foodbank manager Michael Beckett said: ‘‘We are delighted that generous people support the foodbank because without them we couldn’t do what we do.

“Whether that’s supporting online, on social media, through fundraising or donating a package or can.’’

Ashleagh’s rendition of The Cranberries’ ballad will also act as a tribute to the Irish rock band’s former singer, Dolores O’Riordan, who died last year aged 46. It will be available to download from April 12.