A TIDAL wave of support has flooded in locally for those backing footballer Marcus Rashford's plea to make sure children do not go hungry this half term.

Local restaurants, cafe's, and community groups have rushed to support the 22-year-old's efforts and the footballer has said he "could not be more proud to call myself British".

Rashford's viral campaign came after MPs rejected a bid from Labour, backed by the footballer, to extend free school meals over the school holidays until Easter 2021.

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Since, communities have rallied together with a number of local eateries stepping up to offer half term help to those children who usually have free school meals during term time.

Zottadeli in Reading Road, Winnersh, and The Lord Raglan in Denmark Street, Wokingham, are among those who have pledge to help during half term.

In a statement online, the team at Zottadeli said: "We are saddened to hear about the governments decision on the free school meal scheme.

"As the community has supported us through these crazy times, we are offering free takeaway pack lunches from Monday, October 26, to Saturday, October 31, for kids who access free meals at school.

"Please private message us and don't be afraid to reach out. As part of a community we are aways here to help."

It also added that any questions can be asked by calling 0118 9776222.

Other community groups in the area have also pledge their support, including St Paul's Playgroup, Wokingham, which is offering food parcels, and The Jam Jar Cocktail Club which has also posted to pledge the delivery of lunch items on Monday and Tuesday around Wokingham to those who need it during half term. The Stag and Hounds in Binfield, and the Plough and Harrow in Warfield have also put forward its promises to help with a free meal for any child that needs it during half term.

ALSO READ: Bracknell MP explains his vote against free school meals extension and hits back at criticism

In Bracknell, a surge of support came as scores of people joined a community Facebook group called Free Holiday Lunches for Bracknell Kids.

In little more than 12 hours after being created the group has 145 members.

It says: "Let's work together to avoid kids going hungry during the school holidays."

The aims of the community group are listed as: - collect and share information about food banks and local restaurants offering help - fundraise, raise awareness, get stuff to the food banks when it's running short - feed hungry kids ourselves when other avenues are exhausted It adds: "To those who need help - we are a judgement free zone.

"We aren't experts, we aren't official, we are just part of your community and we want to help."

ALSO READ: 10 easy ways families can save money at Christmas - starting now!

Rashford has said he is "truly overwhelmed" by the support his campaign has received.

In a statement to BBC Newsnight, Rashford said: "Growing up we didn't have a lot, but we always had the safety net of the community.

"That community was my family.

"When we stumbled, we were caught with open arms.

"Even at their lowest point, having felt the devastating effects of the pandemic, local businesses have wrapped arms around their communities today, catching vulnerable children as they fell.

"I couldn't be more proud to call myself British tonight.

"I am truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.

"You want to talk about 'celebrities' and 'superstars', look no further than my Twitter feed and that's exactly what you'll find."