CHILD poverty campaigners have staged a protest at offices occupied by New Forest West Conservatives.

Dinner plates emblazoned with the words "Caring?", "Compassionate?" and "I'm Hungry" have been left on the building's doorstep.

It follows the government's refusal to extend the free school meals scheme.

As reported, almost all Hampshire MPs have refused to back calls to extend the scheme over the holidays - despite a campaign mounted by England football star Marcus Rashford.

Sir Desmond Swayne, Tory MP for New Forest West, was among those who voted against.

One of the plates left by protesters said: "Enjoy your lunch Sir Desmond - 3,000 kids in the Forest won't." Others said: "No child should go hungry" and "Lunch is not a luxury".

New Forest West Labour tweeted: "Some residents obviously wanted to send MP Sir Desmond Swayne a strong message about #ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY this morning.

"But given his previous on this issue, will he listen?"

A Labour motion calling for the free school meals scheme to be extended over school holidays until Easter 2021 was defeated by 261 votes to 322 – majority 61.

Of the Hampshire MPs who voted, only two were in favour of extending the free school meals scheme - Stephen Morgan (Portsmouth South) and Alan Whitehead (Southampton Test).

Sir Desmond and the Forest's other MP, Dr Julian Lewis, both voted against.

Sir Desmond has been approached for comment.