A peninsula football club has stepped up to provide free food parcels to local schoolchildren.

Brantham Athletic will distribute the parcels from the leisure centre tomorrow (Monday) after being moved by Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford's campaign to ensure schoolchildren, who usually get free school meals, do not go hungry during the holidays.

Rashford had managed to secure the vouchers during thee six week summer holidays but they have not been continued.

James Cartlidge, South Suffolk's Conservative MP who represents Brantham and the rest of the Shotley peninsula, was among the 322 MPs that voted against the motion to extend the £15-a-week school meal voucher over this October half-term and the Christmas break.

That prompted various clubs, businesses and groups, to fill the void left by the decision, including Brantham Athletic.

Darren Smith, Brantham Athletic chief executive said: "The football club and leisure centre are following Marcus Rashford lead and will be offering food parcels to those children locally that normally receive free school meals during school term but nothing during half term.

"We will be providing the free food parcels from the leisure centre from Monday. Parents just need to contact the club or centre via social media or email. "

Alastair McCraw, Brantham district and parish councillor, praised the club's initiative and questioned MP's priorities.

"Full credit to Brantham Leisure Centre, Marcus Rashford (MBE) and everybody doing the same thing," said Cllr McCraw. "These are times when we all need to help each other, and help the weakest the most.

"There's something very wrong when one of the richest countries in the world (even now, despite everything) can't, or won't, feed its own children. At the same time as multi-billion contracts are handed out to private companies that don't even deliver on their services?.... Come on!"

Children who receive free school meals or families who are struggling can collect the parcels either from the Leisure Centre between the hours of 10am and 2pm or can be delivered within a five mile radius of Brantham.

Call 01206 392506 or email [email protected] and leave your family name and address or phone Sue on 07932870268 to reserve your food parcel.

All orders will be private and confidential and deliveries will be discreet.

Meanwhile, nearby Capel Bakery are offering a filled roll and a cookie for children between 10am and 1pm Monday 26th-Friday 30th. This is available with complete discretion so just quietly mention you have come for a school meal to the shop staff who will be more than happy to help you.

• Let Nub News know if you are offering support the schoolchildren to ensure they do not go hungry during the holidays.