Families will be provided with free school meal vouchers to use in the markets over half term.

All children in Blackburn with Darwen who are eligible for free school meals will receive the vouchers throughout half term which families can use to shop in Blackburn or Darwen markets.

Some schools will provide vouchers which can be used in supermarkets – the voucher will specify this.

It is part of the new Household Support Fund announced by the Government which is being made available to councils across England to support those most in need during the final stages of economic recovery, in response to the pandemic.

Due to the tight timescales and differing half term holidays, some schools may have to distribute vouchers retrospectively to eligible children if vouchers cannot be issued in time for use during the half term break.

Councillor Julie Gunn, executive member for children’s, young people and education, said: “We are delighted the Department for Work and Pensions has announced the details of the new Household Support Fund just in time for half term.

“We are really pleased again for this half term to be able to help provide for the children in the borough who need it most.

“The pandemic is still with us for now and has made many families and children's lives much more difficult. We want to do everything we can to help them with this.

“Once again the stall holders in the market have been fantastic and continue to help with this important scheme.

“We are really grateful and I hope our families involved with the voucher scheme will enjoy the amazing food at our markets.”