MARKET Cafe owner Ollie Chadwick is asking families who would like free meals to order the day before they collect the meal because of the huge demand.

Ollie is offering at least 200 free children's meals between Tuesday and Saturday this week to primary school children over half-term after being inspired by Marcus Rashford's free school meals campaign.

Ollie owns The Market Cafe at Knutsford Market Hall, and decided to offer a £2 children's menu, but has been able to offer 200 meals for free this week thanks to a flood of donations from Knutsford people.

He said: "Due to the high demand we wll be needing pre-orders the day before for collection between 10am and noon the following day.

"Thankyou to the amazing people of Knutsford; we have lots of free meals to give to primary school children this week.

"The hot food menu is available, and we can also do a packed lunch - a cheese or ham sandwich, fruit and crisps.

“What started as a menu announcement for half-term, completely snowballed with customers and the wider community offering donations. 

"Quite honestly, we were dumbstruck with the kindness shown and it is fantastic to be able to offer the meals free of charge."

Thanks to the donations The Market Café can offer 200 pre-ordered take-out hot or cold lunches to the community.

These need to be ordered by 4pm the day before, and if demand outstrips capacity Sue and Harriet Henry of The Tea Room have offered to make more.

On top of this, with the sum pledged by the community a donation of at least £250 will be made to The Toy Appeal and £250 to We Are Knutsford.

People are asked to message 07825 559498 with their food order and time for collection.