A WINSFORD pub offering school children free meals throughout the summer holidays has been ‘overwhelmed’ with the response from families.

Up until September 3, any child of school age can get a free meal at The Old Star Pub in Swanlow Lane.

There is no need to book in advance and people can call in at any time.

The scheme is proving a huge success, with more than 200 free meals given out so far.

Ernie Welch, pub owner, explained: “Lots of families will struggle throughout the next few months.

“I thought if we keep it simple and have no conditions or strings attached, children of school age can just come straight in - either on their own or with parents - and quite simply ask for a meal.

“We are going to offer chicken nuggets, fish fingers, or a small pizza, and fries with beans."

In the first week of the summer holidays, The Old Star supplied 41 free meals.

In the second week, they supplied 72 and during the past week, this number soared to 93.

Kim Kitson added: “It’s so lovely to see the pub full of families and children with happy faces, enjoying a nice hot lunch and it's lovely to see so many new families coming in.

“We have been overwhelmed by all the responses from families.

“We are so happy to help out in the community and all families are welcome, no need to book, just pop by.”