Cheshire East Council has announced they will be providing supermarket vouchers for families who need them over the half-term break.

The move comes after the government rejected calls from England and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford MBE to extend free school meals to cover holidays.

Cllr Kathryn Flavell, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children and families said: "Cheshire East Council is committed to helping our most vulnerable children and families and we are always at the end of the phone for anyone who is in a crisis.

"Our children's social care team and family support service continue to work tirelessly to support those who need our help during the current pandemic.

The Labour councillor praised the businesses across the borough who were stepping up to offer meals to children during half term.

Cllr Flavell said: "We are fortunate to have fantastic communities in Cheshire East from businesses, schools, town and parish councils and the community, voluntary and faith sector who are all working with us to support the most vulnerable in our borough, and I thank them for all they are doing to respond to the recent government announcement regarding free school meals."

Broken Cross and Upton councillor, Rob Vernon responded to the announcement saying: " "In one of the richest countries in the world, it's simply unacceptable that any child should go hungry, and we're determined not to let that happen.

Government ministers have had seven months to ensure a comprehensive package of help was in place for families struggling to make ends meet. They have failed, and must act now alongside Cheshire East Council to ensure that no family endures Christmas with no food on the table."

Anyone who "finds themselves in a crisis" over the half term and needs the vouchers can contact the council's social care and early help teams via your named support worker or by calling 0300 123 5012.