PARENTS of children aged between five and 16 years old in receipt of benefits- related free school meals may be eligible for free food and activities during the Christmas holidays.

Pendle Council’s holiday activities Fun Vibes Active Lives programme will be running throughout the holidays, including at West Craven Sports Centre, in Barnoldswick, with a range of providers delivering sessions in sport, arts, and even a pantomime trip.

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, funded by the Department for Education, also provides free, nutritious meals for those eligible.

Some providers are offering paid-for places to children and young people wanting to take advantage of the activities during the winter break.

Councillor Nadeem Ahmed, leader of Pendle Council, said: “It’s really important that we are able to support families in Pendle during the Christmas break.

“School holidays can be particularly daunting times for some because of increased costs - such as food and childcare - and reduced incomes.”

Alison Goode, Pendle Leisure Trust’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted to once again to be working on this important project with Pendle Council – and involved as one of the providers of activities.

To find out more, visit www.pendleleisuretrust.co.uk/fun-vibes-active-lives/