Holiday scheme for young people extended to 2029

Peterborough City Council said the Holiday Activities and Food Programme would run for another three years

A health-themed scheme for young people will continue to run for the next three years.

Peterborough City Council said the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) would operate until 2029.

HAF provides primary and secondary school-aged children with activities and healthy food during the school holidays.

Katy Cole, Labour councillor and cabinet member for children's services, said: "HAF has supported many children and young people in recent years, helping to close the development gap and boost confidence and social skills."

The government announced a three-year extension for the scheme, as part of a £600m investment nationally.

The programme is fully funded by the Department for Education and aims to provide free places for children who are eligible for free school meals.

"This investment is further proof of this Labour government's steadfast commitment to supporting children and young people," said Ms Cole.

She added: "More locally, it ties in with our key goals of making Peterborough a 'child friendly' city, alongside ambitious plans to establish the first youth zone in the region here."

The next programme was expected to run in the Christmas holidays.