Buckinghamshire Council leader Martin Tett says he does not want any child in the county to go hungry this half term.

It comes amid a furore over free schools meals during the holidays after MPs voted not to extend them until Easter 2021.

There are nearly 8,000 children on free school meals across the county - around 4,000 families.

While the council says it has already spent more than £180,000 on food for families who need it, staff also have plans to create longer-term programmes to help the most vulnerable.

But if anyone is worried about food over the half term, they can call the council's Helping Hand support line on 01296 395000 or go to the Council Access Plus points in Aylesbury, Amersham and High Wycombe libraries.

Cllr Tett said: "We don’t want any child in Buckinghamshire to go hungry this holiday. As a council we are committed to ensuring that does not happen.

"We know how fantastic our communities are with supporting each other during times of crisis, there is lots of local support available.

"We also know it isn’t always that easy to know where to turn, so I would encourage anyone with a child who is eligible for free school meals and is worried, to contact us so we can ensure they can get access to the support they need.

"We are here and can offer that practical help, including links to supermarkets if needed too.”

The Helping Hand scheme will see the contact centre signpost people to community groups and foodbanks where needed, but if this is not possible, they will arrange for food boxes or supermarket food vouchers to be given.