Children on their summer holidays will benefit from a £350,000 Scottish Government cash boost this year.

The money is being handed to charities and council programmes supporting youngsters from low-income families during the break.

It will be used to pay for healthy meals, fun-filled activities and childcare services.

Communities secretary Aileen Campbell said: “The school holidays are a time for fun, but I know it can be a struggle for families when schools are closed.

“That is why we are working in partnership with the third sector and councils to provide more places where children and young people can go during the school holidays to play, socialise, and, importantly, have a nutritious meal.

“We know that income is a key driver of food insecurity during the school holidays – our new Scottish Child Payment, worth £10 per week per eligible child, will lift 30,000 children out of poverty by 2023-24.”

National charity Cash for Kids, CentreStage in Ayrshire, Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE), Moray Food Plus, and Milton Holiday Hub in the Highlands will share the funding.

Dave Simmers, CFINE chief executive, said: “CFINE is delighted and appreciates the financial support we get through the Scottish Government which we will use to feed over 400 children per day through the summer holidays.

“Working in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, AFC Community Trust, Sport Aberdeen and others, and with Scottish Government support, Food and Fun will provide the children with delicious, healthy meals combined with active, fun activities. This makes a huge difference to low income families in the city.”