A charity feeding breakfast to Hackney’s poorest children is calling on businesses to support its work.

Over half a million primary school children in this country start their school day too hungry to learn – some grab a packet of crisps on the way to school, while others have not eaten since their free school lunch the day before.

But Magic Breakfast provides a healthy start for youngsters at 15 Hackney schools without a penny of public funds.

Author and social entrepreneur Carmel McConnell set up the charity a decade ago, after discovering the extent of child hunger in Hackney while researching a book.

She began handing out breakfast herself at four Hackney schools, but now children are fed at over 200 schools through her charity.

Ms McConnell said: “Our school programme transforms child attendance, punctuality, concentration and behaviour. It works.”

For �2,500 companies can sponsor a breakfast club at a school for a full year, giving each child - as well as the school as a whole - the best possible chance of closing the attainment gap.

For more information call 0207 836 5434 or email info@magicbreakfast.com.