ABSENT minded readers are being given the chance to pay off library fines by donating food to the needy.

St Helens Library borrowers whose books are overdue can hand over groceries to clear their debts.

Library staff will subtract £1 off every fine for each item donated. If the fine is less than £1, a donation will clear it. Fines are calculated at the rate of 10p per day per book and 40p per day for DVDs.

When users return overdue books they can hand over groceries that are on the St Helens Food Bank’s wanted list. Tinned or dried packet foods, including meat and vegetables, soup, packets of rice and pasta and cereals are acceptable.

Urgently needed items include UHT milk/powdered milk, sugar, cartons of orange juice, tinned rice pudding, tinned fruit, instant mash, pasta, rice, packets of pasta, sauces and jam. No fresh food will be accepted.

All 13 of the borough’s libraries are taking part in the collection scheme during normal opening hours.

St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Housing, Planning and Community Safety Councillor Richard McCauley said: “We’ll be delighted to see as many people as possible paying off their fines with food donations.

“The St Helens Food Bank is doing a huge amount of good and is a lifeline for many families on a low income – who may have suddenly experienced redundancy or received an unexpected bill.”

The St Helens Food Bank provides a minimum of three days emergency food and support to people in need. More information from http://sthelens.foodbank.org.uk/