Thousands of children and teenagers across Swindon will be offered access to fun activities and nutritional meals during the summer holidays, as part of a scheme run by Swindon Borough Council.

More than 5,000 children in the borough will be eligible for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme, which is funded by the Department for Education and managed by the borough council.

The programme offers free places to eligible children and teenagers from four to 18.

The council's cabinet member for children's services Mary Martin said: “After a difficult year, we are extremely pleased to be able to provide the Holiday Activities and Food programme once again to local children and families, who may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy such a wide range of local activities with other young people their age.

“This is a chance for children to learn new skills, socialise and most importantly have fun, so we would encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible to visit the council’s website or get in touch, to ensure their children can make the most of the summer break.”

During the scheme's initial run in the Easter holidays, more than 500 eligible children took part in activities at over 15 local holiday clubs.

Children will be offered a healthy, substantial meal, and activities which will help them learn new things and enjoy enriching activities, from sport to music, dance, and drama, art, cooking and gardening, as well as providing a chance for them to socialise with other children.

The programme will be available for four hours a day, four days a week, for four weeks of the summer holidays, from July 26 to August 31 .

School aged children in receipt of means-tested free school meals, or who are officially deemed to be in need or on child protection plans are eligible to join the scheme as are those in the care of the council and those on the waiting list for Targeted Mental Health Services.

Parents and guardians of eligible children can apply online at www.swindon.gov.uk/haf

They will receive email confirmation of their eligibility, to either take to their chosen provider, or be provided with details of how to get support from the council to access a place.

Full details and frequently asked questions are available on the borough council's website