DINERS across Cheshire cashed in on more than one million meals during the Government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme last August, new figures have revealed.

For three days a week in August, people could buy a half price meal at outlets that signed up to the scheme and save up to £10 per person.

The initiative – which saw people flock to pubs, restaurants and cafés across the UK – was largely hailed a success by the hospitality sector but has since been criticised over claims it encouraged further spread of the coronavirus.

New data from HM Revenue and Customs shows around 603,000 cut price meals were claimed at 366 participating businesses in Cheshire East, plus 592,000 meals claimed at 315 businesses in Cheshire West.

It meant diners saved £6.55 per meal on average in Cheshire East, and £5.82 per meal on average in Cheshire West.

Businesses in Cheshire East claimed back £3.9 million from the Government through the scheme at an average of £10,800 per outlet, while Cheshire West businesses claimed back £3.4 million at an average of £10,900 per outlet.

That means the scheme cost Government £7.3 million in Cheshire East and West alone.

However, the HMRC data only covers businesses with fewer than 25 outlets, meaning the true figures may be much higher – with many big-name restaurant chains also taking part in the scheme over the summer.