FAST food giant McDonald's is to offer 1m meals to families in need in the wake of Marcus Rashford's free school meals campaign.

Rashford's campaign came after MPs rejected a bid from Labour, backed by the footballer, to extend free school meals over the school holidays until Easter 2021.

McDonald’s UK has offered support to families, with the fast-food chain tweeting: “We are proud to announce a partnership with Fare Share UK to provide 1 million meals for families in need.

“Our funding will enable the urgent redistribution of meals across the next couple of weeks to those in greatest need.”

Footballer Marcus Rashford has been described as a “hero of our times” after his campaign to provide free meals to children during the school holidays prompted an outpouring of support on social media.

The England and Manchester United striker, 22, posted a string of tweets to his 3.6 million followers on Thursday night and throughout Friday, highlighting cafes, bars, restaurants and other organisations who had volunteered to help children going hungry.

The viral campaign came after MPs rejected a bid from Labour, backed by the footballer, to extend free school meals over the school holidays until Easter 2021.

Among the businesses and organisations around the country who offered free food were tea rooms, churches, farms and takeaways.

Many south Essex businesses and charities have also stepped in with offers.