BUSINESSES in South Oxfordshire stepping up to feed children from disadvantaged families were praised for their efforts.

Abingdon Town Council unanimously passed a motion, which thanked local traders such as Willow Shakes, Annie's Tea Rooms and the Barns Cafe and the Abingdon Food Bank for their help.

Councillor Andy Foulsham, who proposed the motion said: "It is heartbreaking to think of any child going hungry over Christmas.

"I am happy we have taken this step, and it should be the absolute basics of governing for Oxfordshire County Council to follow suit."

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The motion, which was passed last week – before the Prime Minister caved to nationwide pressure to support struggling families – read: "This council acknowledges that the absence of free school meals over school holidays is a real issue for some residents of Abingdon.

"We thank businesses, including Willow Shakes, Annies Tea Rooms and The Barns Cafe and organisations such as the Abingdon Food Bank, the Community Fridge and the SOFEA Larder at Abingdon Carousel that have helped by providing food for local children who are usually in receipt of free school meals over half term.