Marcus Rashford has offered his thanks to a Mersea restaurant which is offering free meals to children during October half term.

The Manchester United star Tweeted his support to the Gilt Rooms, a tea room and Italian restaurant in West Mersea, after the venue pledged its support to struggling families.

The restaurant said: "For anyone who may be interested.

"Next week is half term and we are fully aware of the challenges facing everyone. We would just like to help.

"There is no judgment, just a friendly team offering this to every child that comes through our doors next week.

"Tuesday to Saturday from midday to 2.30pm, a free hot meal for any child."

The Premier League forward is tagging business which have stepped in to feed children in need during the October half term.

The support comes after Conservative MPs defeated a motion to extend a free school meals scheme across the school holidays. 

The motion was defeated by a majority of 61.

Read more>>>MP Will Quince explains why he voted against extending free school meals

Business across Colchester are pledging to lend a helping hand to struggling families during the school holidays.

Burgers, Wings and Ribs said: "We want to help. 

"Any child between the ages of four and 16 who comes and visits us before 5pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday can have a free kids box on us."