McDonald's UK is helping to feed struggling families over the half term.

The fast food retailer has partnered with Fare Share UK to provide one million meals.

A spokesman tweeted: "Our funding will enable the urgent redistribution of meals across the next couple of weeks to those in greatest need."

Downing Street declined to praise such outlets offering to provide free meals for vulnerable children over the school holidays.

A Number 10 spokesman, asked repeatedly by PA if the Prime Minister welcomed the offer from businesses and some councils, said: "As we have set out before, we are in a different position now with schools back open to all and the vast majority of pupils back to school.

"I believe the PM said during PMQs that free school meals will continue during term time and that he wants to continue to support families throughout the crisis so they have cash available to feed kids if they need to."