FREE school meals are to be provided for children across Leeds over the Christmas break and February half-term holiday.

The Government announced in November that it was setting up a Covid Winter Grant Fund to help local authorities better support vulnerable children, families and individuals.

Leeds City Council was allocated £2.84 million and has now announced it will be using £1.6 million to provide free meals during the next two school holidays to more than 34,000 children.

Catering Leeds, which is part of the council, will work with Asda to deliver food directly to the homes of eligible children - with volunteers from both organisations working together to pack thousands of hampers.

Schools are also being given the option, should they wish, to opt out of the scheme and instead receive funds directly so they can provide their own meals.

All children who receive free school meals during term time will be eligible but schools will also be able to ask for extra money to support other families who they believe are living in poverty.