Families struggling to feed their children throughout school summer holidays are to be offered a helping hand.

Preston City Council says it wants to tackle what’s become known as ‘holiday hunger’.

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Following a trial with national charity FareShare it provides nutritious food for families and children.

Leader of Preston City Council councillor Matthew Brown said: “School holidays can be a real burden to many families up and down the country, and right here in Preston.

“The cost of buying extra food and activities to entertain children for six weeks can be a worry.

“That’s why it’s a priority for the council to be supporting the Holiday Market initiative across the city as well as raising awareness of free and low cost events suitable for families.”

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During the pilot scheme, which ran during February half-term and Easter school holidays this year, 340 families attended a holiday market across ten schools in the city.

The scheme works by using food from supermarkets and wholesalers which would otherwise go to waste.

Cabinet member for communities and social justice councillor Nweeda Khan said: “This is a fantastic scheme taking place in areas across Preston where it’s needed most.

“Holiday Markets are not food banks, they have been developed to increase access to good food for families facing food insecurity, without judgement. We hope they prove valuable to Preston families and will become an integral part of the community calendar in the future.”

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The Holiday Markets are being held at schools across the city throughout the summer.

The markets work on a pay-as-you-go basis, enabling families to donate as much or as little as they are able to without judgement.

Anyone who wants more information is asked to contact the Community Involvement Team at Preston City Council on 01772 906453 or email communityinvolvementteam@preston.gov.uk