Like most good ideas, the Little Free Pantries ethos is simple: 'Take what you need, give what you can'.

Started by the Shoreline Benefice, there are pantries run by volunteers from the four churches in Shotley, Erwarton Chelmondiston and Harkstead, and there is now also one on the driveway to Shotley Primary and Kidzone.

The Little Free Pantry is not a shop, nor a food bank and does not look to replace either. They are open to everyone and the initiative is proving popular on the Shotley peninsula, with a wide range of users from those who maybe struggling financially, or have just forgotten something and need it in a hurry.

Reverend Canon Liesbeth Oosterhof, rector of the Shoreline Benefice, launched the pantries in conjunction with the Harvest Festival at the beginning of October after seeing a similar idea at another church last year and deciding there was a need right now.

"Sadly this was so much the right time to start them, knowing the furlough scheme was likely to come to an end," said Revd Oosterhof. "People don't advertise that they have lost their jobs, or are struggling.

"I know the food banks are there but I know from experience that there is always a time between things being really tough and you realising you actually need help and asking for it.

"Arrangements to help can then be made, but meanwhile these pantries are here so people don't have to go to bed hungry."

Each pantry is stocked with non-perishable good, usually cans of various vegetables, meats, beans or long-lasting milk and tea bags. People can donate what they can, while others can take what they need at any time of day our night.

Villagers can add to the pantries, while volunteers ensure each pantry stays stocked, sometimes moving an excess of good from one to another.

Revd Oosterhof: "It is simply to enable local people to help each other.

"The principle behind the pantries is everyone can use it. No matter who or why. It could be anyone coming past who thinks ' ooh I fancy that', then just take it. Then, if you can, the next time you are doing your shopping buy a couple of extra things and put them in a pantry.

"I have done that, when I have seen a soup and thought 'that would be nice' and have got it, but then next time I shop I get another couple to put back.

"They are used like nobody'e business which is lovely to see. We can see how may things are put into the pantries too, which is really heartening."

One pattern that has been noticed has been when there is some chocolate it disappears after the school run, which is fine, as it shows the youngsters are aware of the pantries, can tell their parents so they can use them if they would like to, or add stock.

Where you can find the Little Free Pantries:

The Jowett's garden next to the village hall in Chelmondiston

In the church porch at Erwarton

• Scroll right on top picture for more images.