A CREWE children's play centre has been selected to provide free meals and free activities to children during the summer holidays.

Funsters in Stalbridge Road has 600 places to fill for the Holiday Activity Fund scheme, which is being backed by Manchester United and England striker Marcus Rashford.

The programme offers food and activities for pupils during the school holidays, with free places for those pupils eligible for free school meals.

The footballer, who has campaigned on fighting child food poverty, features in a film at his former primary school encouraging families to sign up and make the most of the programme.

Funsters is offering a free meal along with a free play at the centre and stress the criteria for eligibility has been laid down by the government and Cheshire East Council.

Owner Kay Tran explained: "It is for those children already at school, not those in a nursery setting and not those going into reception in September, who receive a benefit-related free school meal, but not the universal infant free school meal.

"Although we have nearly 600 places available they are filling up fast and they are only available in August, Monday to Friday from 11.30am-2pm and 2.30 to 5pm."

The play centre says it needs to provide all booking details to the council to be verified, so will need applicants to be certain they meet the criteria.

Parents or guardians need to provide National Insurance numbers, while children who fall outside the criteria can be paid for on booking; for example a family friend.

All bookings must be made in advance on Funsters web site.

"If you have made a booking and can't make it, please call us on 01270 500525 to free up the space for another family to use. Multiple bookings are welcome," added Kay.

You can book your child a place here