There will be free dinners for some Fylde coast youngsters this half term

The Cidari Multi Academy Trust will provide free school meal vouchers to more than 800 eligible children across 10 academies across Blackpool, Fylde, Blackburn, Darwen, Nelson and Pendle.

Among those benefiting will be pupils at St George's CE High and Baines Primary Academy in M

Trust bosses said they decided to hand out the vouchers, which can be used at local supermarkets, because of lack of government action to help poor families.

Chief executive, Peter Ashworth said "Our families and local communities have been put under incredible strain throughout the pandemic, and the region we serve has never significantly recovered since the first wave of lockdown measures.

"The health, wellbeing and welfare of everyone linked to our academies is a priority."

He added: "With Tier Three restrictions now in place, many of our families are suffering real financial hardship and we see evidence every day that child food poverty is a real issue.

"This impacts greatly on the mental and physical wellbeing of parents and children and we have a moral and ethical obligation to step in and support in any way we can."

A total of 888 children are expected to benefit form the voucher scheme.