FOOTBALL clubs, churches and charities in Crewe have joined Marcus Rashford's half-term school meals campaign.

It comes after the political storm following the government's vote down of an opposition motion which would have extended free school meal provision to pupils in the October half-term and beyond to next Easter.

Now to help fill the void and join in with the Manchester United and England star's national effort to ensure no children goes hungry generous offers are already being made in the town.

St. Andrews Church on Bedford Street says it will offer a free packed lunch each day for children entitled to free school meals during half term (October 26 to 30).

Church officials say the lunches along with an activity pack can be collected between 12 midday and 1pm each day, although anyone showing Covid-19 symptoms should stay away. If people are unable to come to the church then a delivery can been arranged by ringing 07564 036662.

The Wishing Well charity says it will be offering free packed lunches with "no questions asked". If anyone needs help or knows someone who does they should email [email protected]

Crewe councillor Anthony Critchley has set up a Facebook page to co-ordinate support called 'NO CHILD IN CREWE AND NANTWICH GOES HUNGRY'. It can be found here.

Meanwhile, the town's football clubs have weighed in with their support too.

Crewe Alex, working with the The Railwaymen Supporters Society and the Alexandra Soccer Centre, will be distributing 100 free packed lunches every day for school children (from the club shop at 10.30am on a first-come first served basis).

Cheshire League outfit Crewe FC's junior section has also joined in the spirit of giving and will be offering Tesco vouchers to "families that need that little bit of support".

The Bombay Restaurant on Mill Street is extending its help to include the ranks of the jobless and those who have had their hours cut in the pandemic after already donating hundreds of meals to the NHS and key workers.

They are taking private messages and say "they will do anything to help".

The restaurant posted on social media: "It may simply be a case of dropping off a food parcel and leaving. No one has to know and where others are concerned, it never happened.