A PROJECT manager at a Bradford education centre - which has provided free school meals over half-term - says it is "unfathomable" that the government did not extend its free school meals scheme over the October holidays.

Shahid Raza, of Al-Manaar Institute on Otley Road, said that it is "vital" that vulnerable children are given the support they need, amid a debate which has divided opinion across the country.

He said: "As a developed nation, it is unfathomable that there are vulnerable children who are not going to have adequate or hot meals during the half-term holidays.

"As the weather gets colder, it is even more vital that these helpless and vulnerable children receive hot and nutritious meals, especially as the government has refused to provide them during the holidays."

The centre's director, Imam Hamzah Hassan, added: "Al-Manaar Institute has vowed to provide free meals to the most vulnerable and needy members of the community.

"The project kick-started on Monday, as we provided hot meals for community members who needed them the most.

"We recognise the need for our centre and its staff to play our part by contributing, and we hope our contributions bring some support during these difficult times."