A PLAN to stop holiday hunger for children has been welcomed by MPs.

The School Holidays (Meals and Activities) Bill has been backed by south Cumbria MPs John Woodcock and Tim Farron as it was presented to parliament.

It seeks to place a legal duty on local authorities to ensure free meals and fun activities are provided for youngsters who would otherwise go without during the holidays.

Barrow and Furness MP Mr Woodcock said: "We have seen through the growth of Barrow Foodbank in recent years that hunger is a real issue in parts of our community, often due to government cuts and benefits sanctions.

"For children, this is an issue that affects them for the rest of their lives as hunger causes them to fall behind at school and limits their prospects forever, and we know that children are far more likely to go hungry in the school holidays.

"There is no reason why children should be going hungry in modern Britain and I am one of the MPs who have signed up to support this sensible new bill.

"I hope it will find wide support among all parties so we can tackle holiday hunger and help more Furness children achieve their potential."

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Mr Farron also backed the bill. He said: "For parents on a low income, the school holidays can be the toughest time of year. Food bills rocket as free school meals are not available during that time.

"One of the best things we can do as a community to support families is to find a way of extending free school meals into holiday times, but doing it in a way that doesn't stigmatise and which helps to build community spirit such as bring and share lunches at community events."

Earlier this summer, Barrow Foodbank chiefs issued a plea for donations as they braced for their annual summer surge.

Speaking at the time, Ann Mills, manager at the Barrow Foodbank, said: "Lots of people are just getting by day-to-day but find their income simply won't stretch to meet the extra pressure of missing free school meals or paying for childcare during the holidays."

The Mail launched an emergency foodbank appeal this summer as supplies at the vital community facility plunged to their lowest level in five years.