PUBS, restaurants and even football clubs in Wyre Forest have rallied to ensure the district's poorest children don't go hungry this half-term.

Businesses and community groups across Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley have pledged their support to Marcus Rashford's appeal by offering to provide free meals and packed lunches to some of the 5,700 children said to be living in poverty here in Wyre Forest during the school holidays.

The Manchester United forward's campaign saw the government U-turn and provide free meals to qualifying children during the summer holidays, but a vote last week saw the government refuse to extend those free school meals to upcoming school holidays.

Among those to vote against the Labour motion was Wyre Forest's own MP, Mark Garnier, who later said he feels "confident" vulnerable families and children are being provided for under the governments new system.

Ever since, eateries across the country have been stepping up to ensure no child goes hungry this half-term.

In Wyre Forest, a Facebook page called Feed Our Kids Kidderminster has been set up to share information on the groups taking part.

Town resident Grace Rudd, who set up the group, said: "I set up the page because I saw loads of different people over the weekend putting posts on social media about offering free school meals and I thought it would help if the parents that are struggling could see all those posts in one place.

"I've been going through Facebook and sharing all the posts I could find. There have been a lot of fish and chip shops so far, a few pubs, the food bank in Kidderminster and a football team, Wyre Forest Phoenix, whose parents and team members are going out and hand-delivering lunches to people.

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"It's really nice to see everyone offering to help people who need it most."

The local businesses that have offered to provide lunches so far include Foley's Fish Bar in Stourport Road, The Weary Traveller, The Mitre Oak, Merchants of Bewdley, Mimi's, Catchems End Fish Bar in Bewdley, Riverside Fish Bar in Stourport, St Peter's Community Church in Birchen Coppice, Kidderminster Foodbank and Wyre Forest Phoenix Football Club.

Bells Nisa stores in Habberley and Offmore will be providing free healthy snack to children from Monday to Friday.

Are you, your business or community group offering free school meals for children this half-term? We want to hear from you! Email emily.collis@newsquest.co.uk or call 01384 358262.