Thurrock Council is set to receive £500,000 to help the lowest paid over the Christmas period.

Ministers have distributed £170million of funding to help families over the winter, with Thurrock receiving half a million to help put food on the table.

Ministers have told councils across the UK to use the funding for food vouchers for families, contributions towards food banks, or to pay directly towards food and meals.

This follows talks between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and footballer Marcus Rashford last month.

Secretary for Work and Pensions, Therese Coffey said: “No-one should go hungry or be unable to pay their bills this winter.

“By empowering local authorities who know their areas best, this scheme ensures families are warm and well-fed this Christmas. This adds to the wide range of support already available.”