Restaurants up and down the country are offering free school meals this week.

The move comes after the Government voted against a motion to extend free school meals during school holidays.

Maldon MP, John Whittingdale was one of 321 MPs who voted against the Labour motion.

England and Manchester United player, Marcus Rashford urged politicians to unite to protect the most vulnerable children.

But despite his pleas, the bid, which called for the scheme to be extended over school holidays until Easter 2021, was defeated by 261 votes to 322 – majority 61.

Now restaurants, supermarkets and cafes are offering free school meals to children during half term this week.

Here are a list of restaurants taking part:

The Ship Inn, Burnham High Street

OAKhouse, Maldon High Street

The Bull, Great Totham

The Vintage Rose Tea Room, Maldon

Morrisons, Maldon

Ground Coffee House, Burnham

On The Latch, Althorne