Hounslow Council has announced it will be funding free school meals over half-term.

It follows the government voting down plans to extend free school meals over holiday periods.

Under the council's funding, all children and young people who are eligible will be provided with vouchers from the council.

The vouchers will cover the cost of meals for October half-term and will be available to families retrospectively.

Cllr Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Youth Services, said: "It was incredibly disappointing that the Government chose not to support children and young people who may be going hungry this half-term.

"The coronavirus pandemic has contributed to a sharp increase in child poverty and without school dinners many children do not have access to decent meals.

"I'm delighted that we've been able to step in to fund the provision of free school meals to try to ensure that no children in Hounslow will be going hungry. We're also committed to making sure no child goes without over Christmas either."