VENUES across the district have leapt to the aid of struggling families by offering free or discounted food for those in need this half-term.

List of venues taking part:

Cafe @ Burn Lane, Hexham

A post on social media read: "We wish to support children during half term at the Café at BurnLane.

"Any child receiving free school meals can choose from a daily selection to takeaway or eat in.

"Please ring in advance: 07864 692627 to find out the daily specials.

"We do not require parents to provide evidence."

Top Nosh, Hexham

The sandwich shop is providing a free packed lunch to any child that needs it next week.

This will include a small sandwich, a drink a piece of fruit and 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," a Facebook post said.

Haltwhistle Butchers

"In light of the Government not providing free school meals for children this half term.

"We have decided to step up & provide a Free packed lunch for any child in need in Haltwhistle

"Our Free packed lunch includes a small sandwich , a carton of juice, a piece of fruit & a bag of crisps. If anyone could benefit from a free packed lunch for a child /children

"Could you please pm the page before 1pm to reserve your packed lunch for the following day or call into the shop & request them

"No judgement or questions will be asked."

Corner Cafe, Prudhoe

"We’ve seen a lot of posts locally about the Governments decision not to extend the food vouchers scheme for children eligible for free school meals. So we have made the decision to help out.

"We’ll be providing a hot or cold packed lunch to takeaway from Monday 26th October until Friday 30th October.

"If you would like to order one please just p.m the page or give us a call.

"Please share this post and spread the word.

"We are in hard times with the current climate with Covid so it's important to always help each other out."

Miners Lamp Cafe and Community Hub, Prudhoe

Providing meals for children in families facing financial hardship in Prudhoe, Mickley, Wylam, Ovingham and Stocksfield.

"We’ll be providing a hot meal, snack and drink from Monday 26th October until Friday 30th October," a post on its Facebook page said.

House of Meg Tea Rooms, Gilsland

The House Of Meg Tea Rooms will be offering free children’s packed lunches this half term, to anyone that needs them.

A post on its Facebook page said: "Please private message or ring 01697 747777 and these can be collected before opening time or after closing for the day.

"You support us so we want to be there to support you."

Allendale Inn

The pub said: "We really want to give back to the families and local community who always support us during these very uncertain times.

"This is why we have decided to offer free kids meal to all children this half term. With every adult meal purchased one child can pick a meal from the menu. If you can't afford an adults meal please do not worry, let me know and we will do our best to support you.

"If you are struggling - please speak to us and we will see how we can help to support you. Please do not be ashamed to as for help, everything will be kept confidential and no judgements."

Sea Chef, Hexham 

"We are offering children the chance to have hot food during October half term.
"We have 20 Sausage & Chips meals or a Chip Butty meal available on Wednesday between 4pm - 7pm and 20 on Thursday between 11.30 - 1.30 pm.

"All you need to do is phone your order in 01434 609370 & ask for a free kids meal, tell us what time you want to collect it."