The number of children relying on food banks in one council area has jumped by almost a quarter in just three months.

Renfrewshire Council leaders say the rise coincides with recent benefit changes and delays to payments.

Statistics compiled by the council show the number of children receiving food bank assistance has risen from 355 to 437 between July and September this year.

In total, 947 food bank vouchers were issued by the council to 72 families and 149 single parents.

Council leader Mark Macmillan is calling on the Scottish Government to help mitigate the impact of benefit changes.

He said: "The UK Government's drastic welfare cuts are creating a perfect storm that is forcing more people and more families into poverty, which is simply unacceptable.

"I would urge the Scottish Government to use its devolved powers for the benefit of those who need it most and help tackle child poverty across all regions in Scotland to provide much-needed support and reassurance to those currently struggling on the breadline.

"It is clear that the UK welfare cuts are hitting the most vulnerable in our society the hardest."

Mr Macmillan went on to criticise chancellor Philip Hammond's Autumn Statement for failing to end the freeze on child benefits or reverse planned cuts being introduced to in-work support under Universal Credit

Elizabeth Alexander, project manager at Renfrewshire Foodbank, said: "The changes in benefits and delays to payments are having a real impact on more children than ever before and we expect this situation only to worsen in the future."

John Dickie, director of Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland, said: "CPAG's research shows that social security cuts, benefit delays and sanctions are some of the key drivers pushing up demand for food banks.

"While these problems are largely the result of UK Government policy, there is a need for all levels of government to act immediately to protect children and families from the scandal and stress of food poverty."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Renfrewshire Council is right to highlight the damage being caused by the UK Government's welfare cuts and benefits sanctions which have pushed more people into crisis and needing help from food banks and other services.

"We are already spending £100m a year to support people affected by the UK Government's welfare cuts including fully mitigating the bedroom tax and an additional £1m a year is invested in our Fair Food Fund to support a range of projects.

"We are aware, however, that the UK Government welfare cuts will mean a cumulative cut to Scotland of £2bn by 2020 and we cannot fill all the cuts that they inflict, but will continue to protect those most vulnerable."