Tesco will offer additional help to families across Oxfordshire facing food insecurity during the school break.

From July 20 to August 30, pre-filled donation bags costing between £2 and £4 will be available in stores for customers to buy.

These bags will support Trussell and Felix, who will distribute the food to charities and food banks across the country.

Christine Heffernan, chief communications and sustainability officer at Tesco, said: “We want to be able to support our charity partners to help those needing a little extra support this summer.

“Our partnerships with Felix and Trussell are central to this aim.

“When you’re out doing your weekly shop this summer, dropping a few tins into a food collection point, picking up a food donation bag in our stores or rounding up our grocery bill, can make a difference to the lives of thousands of children in communities across the UK.”

Last summer, food banks supported around 354,000 people, including 124,000 children.

This year, Tesco is expanding its Kids Eat Free café scheme to include weekends throughout the summer.

In all 317 Tesco cafés nationwide, children can receive a free meal with the purchase of any adult item.

Options include a Kids Hot Meal Deal, breakfast, or Pick ’n’ Mix.

Matthew van Duyvenbode, co-chief executive officer at The Trussell Trust, said: “Our community of food banks distributed more than 900,000 parcels for children last year, demonstrating the unacceptable levels of hunger and hardship so many families are currently facing. This isn’t right.

“That’s why the support of our partner Tesco is so crucial, providing in-store summer pick-up bags, making it much easier for people to support their local food bank throughout the school holidays.”

Additionally, Tesco will relaunch its Free Fruit for Kids scheme.

Between July 20 and August 30, children can pick up free apples at the checkouts in more than 800 large stores and 77 large Express branches.

Charlotte Hill, CEO at Felix, said: “That’s why the donation bags in Tesco stores are vital.

“The food donated will be shared with charities and community groups that can offer not just meals, but spaces and activities for children to play and make friends during the summer holidays, relieving the pressure on parents.”

From Monday, August 3, to Sunday, August 9, customers will also be able to round up their bill to the nearest pound, with donations supporting the two charities.

Thames Valley Police has said the 41-year-old was taken into custody after an incident in Harwell, in which a man in his 20s and a woman in her 40s were attacked by men known to them.

This happened at a property on Talbot Road between about 1am and 2.45am on Saturday, July 18.

READ MORE: Woman’s ‘tragic’ death at Oxfordshire horse riding event announced

The force said the man suffered head injuries and remains in hospital in a stable but critical condition, while the woman sustained minor injuries.

A 41-year-old man from Harwell has since been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 grievous bodily harm.

He was interviewed in police custody and has been released on bail with conditions until October 18.

Talbot Close, Harwell (Image: Google Maps)

Detective Inspector Laura Gardiner said: “I am appealing to the public to help our investigation into this serious assault.

“If you have footage, or heard or saw anything in the areas in and around Talbot Close and Westfield between about 11pm on Friday and 3am on Saturday, please contact us.

“Please provide us with any doorbell, dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage from the area during these times.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire man saved after collapse then arrested for ‘drugs’ at B&B

“Even if you think the information or footage you have is small, it could be vital to our investigation.”

The public can contact the police via its website, visiting a police station or by calling 101.

DI Gardiner added : “I appreciate that news of the assault will shock the village, however I want to reassure the community that this was a targeted attack and there is no threat to the wider public.”

British eventing has said that Sophie Fouracre, 34, has died in a cross-country accident at Swalcliffe Park, an equestrian centre six miles from Banbury.

This weekend it was hosting its British Eventing Horse Trials, with the accident occurring on Saturday, July 18.

Hours later at Penrith in Cumbria, Kerry Donoghue, aged 42, died also following an accident.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire man saved after collapse then arrested for ‘drugs’ at B&B

Rosie Williams, chief executive of British Eventing, said: “The British Eventing community is heartbroken.

“On behalf of everyone at British Eventing, I want to extend our deepest condolences to Kerry and Sophie’s families, friends and loved ones at this devastating time.

“Our thoughts are also with their fellow competitors, organisers, officials, volunteers and everyone who has been affected by these tragic events.

“We are immensely grateful to the organisers, doctors, paramedics, veterinary teams, officials and emergency services at both events for the professionalism, compassion and care they showed in the most difficult of circumstances.

Swalcliffe Park Equestrian is on Park Lane near Banbury (Image: Google Maps)

“The loss of two members of our eventing family on the same day is almost beyond words, and we know the sadness of these events will be felt profoundly across the sport for some time to come.”

Both were fatally injured in cross-country accidents, with Ms Fouracre riding Rhubarbsfox Brittania while Ms Donoghue was riding Carneyhaugh Rua.

At both venues, the event medical teams responded immediately and provided emergency treatment.

Despite their best efforts neither rider could be saved.

Both horses were examined by the attending veterinary team and were found to be uninjured.

In accordance with British Eventing’s safety and incident review procedures, comprehensive reviews of both accidents will now be undertaken. 

Swalcliffe Park describes itself as a “family run equestrian centre”.

The description on its website reads: “With over 120 cross country elements set around this beautiful family run farm on the edge of the Cotswolds with newly constructed water feature which attracted over 4000 cross country riders last season.”

READ MORE: Update on named Oxfordshire teenager charged with village stabbing

A spokesperson for British Eventing said: “We recognise the impact these tragic events will have across the eventing community.

“Anyone affected is encouraged to seek support through the British Eventing Support Trust Helpline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 07780 008877.

“We respectfully ask that the privacy of both families is respected during this incredibly difficult time.”