A Malmesbury charity has pledged to help make sure local children are fed after the government rejected extending the free school meals scheme into the holidays.

Heals of Malmesbury has said it will 'do its best' to ensure families will not struggle during the half-term break.

Chairman of Trustees at the charity, Cllr Gavin Grant, said: “We will do our best to ensure no child goes hungry in half term or family struggles to provide food for their children.

“Anyone who needs help or knows a family that does should get in touch immediately at 01666 238100 (ansaphone), text us on 07931 098347 or email heals.malmesbury@gmail.com.”

Heals has also launched its Winter Welfare Appeal today (Tuesday).

The charity has been picked by the Localgiving Foundation, which supports local charities across the nation, as one of the charities to benefit from its matched funding scheme.

Cllr Grant said the demand for Heals’ services were ‘rising fast’ as people and families continue to struggle with the pressures of coronavirus.

This means that online donations to Heals – up to the value of £75 – will be doubled by the organisation.

The doubling of donations is for one week only, starting from today (October 27) until Tuesday, November 2.

"The Localgiving matched funding‎ campaign is a tremendous opportunity for us,” said Cllr Grant.

“We are determined that no individual or family should have to choose between eating and heating this winter,” he said.