Lack of funding ends 'lifeline' breakfast club

The Compas charity ran the breakfast club every Monday and Friday and handed out more than 400 bags each week

A breakfast club feeding more than 400 children a week, which was described as a "lifeline", has come to an end due to a lack of funding.

The Compas charity, which supports migrant communities across Peterborough in partnership with the city council, has been running the club every Monday and Friday for the last 18 months.

Children living in the Millfield area had been able to get a breakfast outside Gladstone Park primary school on Bourges Boulevard.

Petr Torak, the charity's chief executive, said its £20,000 funding had run out, forcing it to "stop the essential service". However, the city council hopes to resume it for six more months in future.

A party was held on the last Friday of breakfast club, featuring Mickey Mouse and other children's characters

As a goodbye from the charity on Friday, children enjoyed a breakfast party with cartoon characters and music.

More than 250 food bags were handed out, along with books and stationary donated as part of Peterborough Reads.

Local business employees and Peterborough's Conservative MP Paul Bristow also came along to the last service.

Mr Torak said: "It's a very important service, serving a very deprived area. We know so many children go to school without any breakfast.

"Parents tell us children wake them up early on Monday and Friday to come and get breakfast.

"It puts a smile on their faces and makes it worthwhile."

Petr Torak (left) said his charity Compas would not lose hope

'See you later, not goodbye'

Peterborough City Council said Compas had been supported via the Household Support Fund, which ends on 31 March.

The charity said it was grateful to the council and the Department for Work and Pensions for its funding.

Previously, parents told the BBC the club was a "saviour" and a "lifeline" at a time when families struggled with the cost of living rise.

"It is for everyone to see how successful and needed this service is here," Mr Torak said.

"I want to reassure parents this is a 'see you later' rather than a 'goodbye'."

A city council spokesperson said: "In the Spring Budget, the chancellor announced that the government would extend the fund by a further six months, however we are still awaiting the details to be issued to us."