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Thousands of eligible children and young people in South Tyneside are set to benefit from free activities and food over the six weeks of the school summer holiday.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ and its partners are once again running the free Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) clubs. Funded by the Department for Education, the clubs are free for those aged five to 16 who are entitled to benefit-related free school meals and young people with additional needs up to the age of 18 are also eligible.

Activities for this year include dancing, games, crafts, sports, and outdoor challenges, along with nutritious meals at each event.

The clubs are further evidence that the Council is delivering on its ambition to target support to make things fairer.

Councillor Adam Ellison, Lead Member for Children and Families' Social Care, said: "The six week summer holiday brings additional pressure for families, particularly at the moment with the cost-of-living crisis.

"We hope that by providing these clubs we are able to help families who are struggling financially while giving their children an opportunity to make new friends, try new experiences, learn new skills and have fun."

He added: "I know times are hard for a lot of people at the moment but the criteria for running these clubs are set by the Department for Education which stipulates that children must be in receipt of benefit-related free school meals to take advantage of them.

"We run a trust-based booking system to allow those families who will benefit the most to access them."

The clubs run from 22 July to 3 September but places must be booked in advance. To find out more or to book a place visit  www.southtyneside.gov.uk/holidayclub, call 0191 4240118 or email HAF@southtyneside.gov.uk