Sport and packed lunches a school holiday lifeline

William, nine, said he loved the sessions and they made him feel more productive

A programme which provides free sports activities and packed lunches for children during the summer holidays has been described as "invaluable" by families.

North Yorkshire Council's FEAST scheme is free for pupils who are eligible for free school meals, and other children can also take part.

The focus is on outdoor games and healthy eating at host schools such as Sowerby Primary in Thirsk, and government funding has been secured until the end of the year.

Course leader Simon Carson said: "I hope this funding continues because these children and these parents need that support."

Simon Carson, who runs Simon Carson Sports School, said the programme was invaluable for parents and children

Mr Carson, whose sports school organises the activities, said 30 children were taking part in the sessions, which run for four days a week over a month.

"Six weeks is a long time for these children, so to have the free school meal, to allow them to be fed, to get away from the computers and outside in the fresh air is invaluable," he said.

The participants, aged between seven and nine, said they enjoyed games such as football, cricket and dodgeball. They could also play the piano and do an obstacle course.

Single father Shaun Remmer praised the sessions

Single father Shaun Remmer also praised the scheme, and said it had helped his daughter.

"Kids get bored at home, with her being on her own it's very hard," he added.

"She's very sporty so she needs to eat well as well, and the pack-ups seem to be really good here.

"She loves it every time so she always wants to come."

The Trussell Trust found that the majority (63%) of support provided by food banks in the UK is for families with children, despite them making up just 45% of the population.

The charity said many families encountered struggles during the summer months, largely due to the loss of free school meals.

A West Yorkshire care home is also doing their bit to help in the holidays

In West Yorkshire, a care home wanted to play its part in supporting families struggling in the holidays.

Greenacres, in Meltham, is giving out free packed picnics every Wednesday for anyone who rings up.

They are left for collection in the home's foyer and manager Sarah Tomczynski said they have had a great response.

"We have a lot of work we do with local schools in Meltham but then it's gone as far as the Honley schools and the schools in Slaithwaite," she said.

"It's gone further because people are just sharing and sharing and sharing.

"So with linking with the schools and the families talking about it, it seems to have gone a bit bigger this year."

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