ALL children eligible for free school meals in Thurrock schools will receive a weekly £15 voucher for each of the two weeks over the Christmas holidays.

Cllr Andrew Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Education, who spoke about the grants after opposition criticism of the borough's position on free meals last month, said: "I'm so pleased that we are able to work with local schools to issue vouchers to all 6,200 children eligible for free schools meals and make sure they do not go hungry during the school holidays.

"Funded as part of the £523k government's Winter Grant Scheme, the vouchers will be available from Monday, 14 December and will be issued directly through schools. The grant is to further support families with children and other vulnerable individuals from December through to the end of March 2021.

"It will further ensure those who qualify in Thurrock should not go without this winter and during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic."