800 children could get free meals and activities in school

HUNDREDS of disadvantaged Rossendale children could be offered holiday club activities and meals in a government-backed scheme with the council and local sports centre operator Rossendale Leisure Trust.

- BY ROBBIE MACDONALD

An estimated 800 youngsters across the borough who get free school meals could be offered holiday activities and meals through the summer and winter with Rossendale Leisure Trust, if Rossendale Council accepts almost £200,000 from the government's Holiday Activities and Food Programme.

In past years, local children have taken part in activities including climbing at the Adrenaline centre in Haslingden, “tubing” at The Hill ski slop, skills activities in schools, experiences with animals through Rochdale-based Emma's Crazy Creature and fun with hula-hoops at The Valley academy.