A SUMMER holiday programme will give 280 Denbighshire pupils the chance to socialise and enjoy healthy nutritious meals.

Now in its fourth year, the three week Food and Fun scheme has been delivered to six schools in the county including Prestatyn High School, Rhyl High, Ysgol Penmorfa, Christchurch County Primary School, Ysgol Esgob Morgan and St Asaph VP Infants School.

Each of 280 participating primary and secondary children have been part funded by Welsh Government and co-ordinated by the Welsh Local Government Association, with this year has seen the largest number of pupils benefitting n Denbighshire.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Denbighshire County Council’s lead member for education, children's services and public engagement, said: “I’m really pleased we are able to run these sessions in Denbighshire and it is encouraging to see numbers increasing.

“This project allows children get the best start in life and helps them to grow into independent and fulfilled adults, which is a priority for the council under our corporate plan.”

This years programme began on Monday, July 22 at five schools and will end on Thursday, August 8 with Prestatyn High's scheme beginning and ending a day later.

Since it was first piloted in 2016, the programme has grown rapidly year-on-year, with 4,200 pupils set to benefit from local schemes in their areas across Wales this summer - a 48 percent increase on last year.

Councillor Debbie Wilcox (Newport), WLGA spokesperson for education said: “I’m delighted that local government working in partnership with Welsh Government are able to support families at what can often be a challenging time over the summer holidays.

"The Food and Fun programme is designed to bring positive outcomes for participating young people and their families by providing opportunities to socialise, learn and enjoy delicious nutritious meals. Its extraordinary growth in only three years clearly shows that these schemes are valued locally by communities, and I’m excited to see how this year’s programme will provide the young people taking part with life-enhancing experiences and opportunities.”