A Tyne Valley sandwich shop has smashed its fund-raising target to provide free school meals to children in the local area.

Dismayed by the government's decision to vote against free school meals over the half-term period, Top Nosh based on Haugh Lane in Hexham, set a target of raising £500 to help struggling families.

On Saturday, the store had raised more than £2,100 towards the fund-raising effort.

A Facebook post by Top Nosh was shared on Twitter by the England footballer Marcus Rashford.

It read: "The Government have unfortunately voted against providing free school meals for children who desperately need them during school holidays.

"We have decided to provide a free packed lunch to any child that needs it next week.

"This will include a small sandwich, a drink a piece of fruit & a bag of crisps.

"If anyone could benefit from this please reach out to us your request will never be met with questions or judgement."

Donations can be made at: shorturl.at/iovx6

Read more in this weeks Hexham Courant.