A FREE breakfasts for school children scheme is set to be piloted in Burnley and Pendle from September.

Lancashire County Council has teamed up with Recycling Lives Fareshare Food Redistribution Centre to dish out the meals in a bid to improve children’s health.

County Cllr Azhar Ali, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “It’s shocking that children in classrooms across the county are missing out on the very foundations of their education by not being fed in the morning.

“Around 18 per cent of children come from families who are living in poverty and many don’t eat breakfast before school.

“There is no doubt that this lack of food effects their performance and concentration.

“Time at school is crucial for primary school children and any time lost through lapses in concentration could mean a child missing out on learning that’s absolutely crucial to their development.”

“This scheme would certainly help by providing schools with free food to give pupils for breakfast.

“It would also highlight the importance of breakfast to children and their parents.”