Families are being encouraged to sign up now for free holiday activity clubs running across Coalville and Ibstock over the Easter break.

Bookings are now open for the sessions, including arts and crafts, sports, dance, games and music activities.

Leicestershire County Council adds that a nutritious meal is offered at each session.

The holiday activity clubs are available for children aged five to 16 who are receiving benefits-related free school meals.

Check eligibility to take part, search providers and book places HERE.

The free sessions are being offered as part of 'Leicestershire Holidays Together' - a Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme funded by the Department for Education.

Leicestershire County Council is working with Active Together to deliver the scheme, which is being held at venues across the county by schools, voluntary and community organisations, childcare providers and sports clubs.

Councillor Deborah Taylor, lead member for children and families at Leicestershire County Council, said: "We are excited to offer Easter HAF sessions once again. They present a brilliant opportunity for children and young people to make new friends, learn new skills and, importantly, have fun during the holidays."

Geoff Maltby, sports development manager at Active Together, said: "We hope as many children as possible access this great opportunity to receive a daily healthy meal and have fun playing sport, getting crafty and being active."

As well as the Easter 'Holidays Together' programme, the council is continuing with measures to tackle the rising cost of living and help residents most in need of financial support over the coming months.

The council's £14.8m support package includes £35 of meal vouchers to cover the Easter holidays, which will be distributed to 14,000 eligible children across Leicestershire.

The vouchers are available through the council's Household Support Fund, which has been funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Backed by a nationwide investment of over £200 million per year, the expanded HAF programme initially ran during Easter 2021 in all local areas and is also scheduled for 2023's summer holidays.

For more information visit HERE or HERE.