Leicestershire County Council is offering extra help to families - in Ashby and across the county - with children on free school meals.

Previously, the council has offered low-income families £15 a week to help them meet food costs over school holidays.

However, this Easter break, it has extra funding available and will be providing eligible families with vouchers worth £45 for the two week period.

Children who have signed up to attend free holiday activities, including sports, theatre and provision for children with special needs, will also receive a healthy meal at the event.

Deputy council leader and cabinet member for children and families councillor Deborah Taylor said: "It's clear many families are struggling with the soaring cost of living at the moment, but there is help available.

"In the past, holiday food vouchers have been offered at £15 a week, but over Easter we have the funding to make more available, so there will be £45 for a fortnight. This is important extra help.

"We are so pleased to be able to offer Holidays Together to children and young people this Easter alongside our partner, Active Together.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to have fun while getting to grips with a host of new activities, enjoying time with their friends, eating healthy food and coming away with some new skills – all in a safe environment over the holidays."

Children aged four to 16 can attend up to four sessions in total during the Easter holidays. Meal vouchers are being distributed through schools.

The funding comes from the Department for Education as part of the Holiday Activities and Food scheme. This is backed by England and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford, who has campaigned actively against child food poverty.

More information can be found on the council's website HERE.