A restaurant owner is offering free lunches during the half-term to children of families who are struggling financially, vowing: 'No child in Thanet will go hungry'.

The move by Matt Day, who own's Day's Grills in Margate , comes after 320 Tory MPs voted against extending free school meals for disadvantaged children through the holidays.

South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay was one of them , while North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale abstained.

Mr Day, who opened his fast food restaurant in The Centre in February and also has a premises in Manston, put out a post on Facebook, offering free lunches to children who need it.

"All the while we are in a position to, no child in Thanet will go hungry," he said.

"Please come see us if you are struggling these holidays.

"These ones are on us."

Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford has been campaigning for the Government to provide free school meals to disadvantaged children in the holidays and Mr Day says it has been on his mind.

"We don't know the reasons why MPs voted the way they did," he said. "It's a hard time for everyone, including the Government, so I want to support where I can.

"It's down to local businesses who have a platform and who are in a position to be able to help."

Mr Day says families who may feel embarrassed about asking for support feeding their children can call up and place an order for collection, just leaving their name.

They will be able to get food including sandwiches, crisps and drinks for free.

Mr Day says he would like at some point to offer deliveries to these households.

"We want to help and at the moment we are in a position that we can," he added.

Mr Day says despite the pandemic, business for the restaurant has boomed and his four-strong team increased to 40 during lockdown.

"People started ordering food for delivery and it went mad," he said.

"I still can't get my head around it."

The menu includes hot and cold food such as burgers, loaded fries, breakfast baps, sandwiches and wraps.

To place an order for a free holiday meal call 01843 446911 or visit daysgrills.com for more information.

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet