THE Winchester community "stepped in where the Government failed" during the October half term.

City council leader Cllr Lucille Thompson criticised MPs' decision to vote down free food vouchers – but also thanked her colleagues and businesses for helping out.

She said that no local children went hungry during the school holiday thanks to "heroic" people across the district.

"We were incredibly disappointed the Government decided to vote down the voucher system," she told a cabinet meeting on November 4.

"But I can happily report that Winchester City council stepped in where the Government failed.

"The city council supported both Winchester Basics Bank and the Meon Valley Food Bank, even with extra money where needed.

"I'd like to thank the staff for such a quick response – it really was all hands to the pump."

The council plans to help out again during the December school holidays.

Cllr Thompson added: "It was also really heartening to see the local businesses, charities and individuals help out, so I'd like to say thanks to them too, particularly as people are going through an extremely difficult time.

"Looking ahead at the worsening scenario, we will be calling on the Government to make sure no children go hungry at Christmas."