BUSINESSES in Barrow and beyond are coming together to make sure that no child goes hungry this October half-term.

Spurred on by parliament's decision to not extend a scheme which offered eligible children a free school meal during half term and the Christmas holidays, passionate business and organisation owners have drummed up huge support.

England footballer Marcus Rashford has even got in on the action, taking to social media site Twitter to highlight places where Barrovians can get free meals for their children.

Rashford had been campaigning to have the scheme extended after his efforts earlier in the coronavirus crisis saw the government U-turn to provide free school meals to eligible children during the summer holidays.

Taking to Twitter, Mr Rashford tweeted two images under the caption ‘Barrow-in-Furness’. The images contained posts from Barrow Community Kitchen’s Sharon Foden and Priory Place Fish and Chips in Ulverston, who are both offering free meals to school children during the October half term.

Also helping out this half term is Smiler’s Cafe on Dalton Road, who have partnered up with Barrow Eats to provide a free packed lunch to children in need which includes a sandwich, a packet of crisps, two pieces of fruit, a sweet treat and drink. The lunches will be placed on a table to collect from 10.30am, Monday-Friday.

Other generous businesses include Olde Ulverston Tea Rooms and Restaurant, Milkshake Madness, St Luke’s chippy, and delivery service Danchef.

Many organisations and community hubs are also offering a place to seek help. Dave Crossley of Ulverston Food Waste Project said: “We will never judge you, you will never have to justify yourself to use, there’s no need for vouchers or form filling - just come and say hello and grab what you need.”

Others available to help are Barrow Foodbank, Barrow Community Kitchen Hub, and Project John.