Free summer holiday sessions and lunches for children who get free school meals, at Northcroft Leisure Centre and Willink Leisure Centre

West Berkshire leisure centres are hosting an array of free activities this summer, as well as free school meals for eligible children, writes Joshua Barnes.

Northcroft Leisure Centre, in Newbury, and the Willink Leisure Centre, in Burghfield Common, are open to any children, from reception to year 11, who receive free school meals.

This initiative is available because of the partnership between West Berkshire Council and Everyone Active, which manages the centres.

The activities provided are aimed at keeping children healthy and entertained during the summer holidays, with activities such as swimming, badminton, football, bouncy castles, arts and crafts and table games.

The sessions are running until Monday, September 2.

You can visit https://www.westberks.gov.uk/article/40859/Holiday-Activities-and-Food-HAF-Programme for more information on specific timings.

“We’re delighted to be part of the national HAF programme and provide children with the opportunity to get active this summer, regardless of their financial circumstances,” said Richard May, contract manager at Everyone Active.

Heather Codling (Lib Dem, Chieveley and Cold Ash), West Berkshire’s executive member for children and family services, added: “Our HAF programme is well established and expanding year on year. It’s wonderful to be able to offer such a wide range of brilliant activities to so many children and give them the opportunity to have fun and experience new things.”

The aim of the initiative is to give children from families who are eligible for free school meals the opportunity to enjoy an active and engaging summer holiday and each session will include a nutritious and balanced lunchtime meal.