A Labour councillor has praised Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford as he won his battle to force the Government to provide free school meals during the summer.

Downing Street announced earlier today a £120 million fund which will benefit some 1.3 million children in England over the six-week summer period.

The change of policy followed a plea by Rashford to help children.

The football star had penned an open letter this week asking the Government to reverse its decision not to award free school meals vouchers in England - for which nearly 1.3 million children are eligible - outside of term time.

After the U-turn by the Government was announced, Rashford wrote on Twitter: "Just look at what we can do when we come together, THIS is England in 2020."

Leggatts ward councillor Asif Khan said Rashford's achievement was "fantastic".

He said: "I am very pleased that the Government has seen sense and reversed its decision on free school meals ahead of Labour’s motion this afternoon.

"This is a fantastic achievement for Marcus Rashford and all campaigners who have been highlighting the seriousness of this issue.

"This will be a great relief for thousands of families across Hertfordshire and Watford.”

The Prime Minister's official spokesman told a remote Westminster briefing that Prime Minister Boris Johnson "fully understands that children and parents face an entirely unprecedented situation over the summer".

He continued: "To reflect this we will be providing a Covid Summer Food Fund.

"This will provide food vouchers covering the six-week holiday period.

"This is a specific measure to reflect the unique circumstances of the pandemic.

"The scheme will not continue beyond the summer and those eligible will be those who already qualify for free school meals."

It is understood payment will be through a one-off six week voucher given to eligible families at the end of term to use in supermarkets.

The Prime Minister's spokesman said the measure would impact some 1.3 million children in England.

Referring to Rashford, he said: "The PM welcomes his contribution to the debate around poverty and respects the fact that he has been using his profile as a leading sportsman to highlight important issues."

The cost will come to £120 million in additional funding, Downing Street said.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: "This is another welcome u-turn from Boris Johnson.

"The thought of 1.3 million children going hungry this summer was unimaginable.

"Well done to @MarcusRashford and many others who spoke out so powerfully about this issue. #HolidaysWithoutHunger".

Downing Street said the vouchers would amount to £15 a week per child.

The PM's spokesman said: "This is a specific measure over the summer."