UP to 400 children from parts of Darlington will be getting regular meals and taking part in fun activities over the summer thanks to a £30,000 grant.

The grant from Durham freemasons to the Groundwork North East and Cumbria charity will be helping some of the 21 per cent of Darlington's children between the ages of five and 11 across Red Hall, Cockerton, Firthmoor and Skerne Park.

During the school holidays many families need extra support and the project will help provide meals as well as physical activity.

The children and their families will attend sessions a dozen times over the six-week summer holiday. Alongside the games and activities, the children will receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch.

Parents will also be invited to attend some of the sessions, giving them valuable opportunities to cook, eat, and play with their children, as well as receiving advice on how they can be further supported to maximise household income.

The charity will work with local schools to identify the children most in need of the programme.

The grant from Durham Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation.