SCHOOLS in North Ayrshire are ensuring that no child goes hungry over the festive season.

North Ayrshire Council’s holiday school meals service will return during the Christmas break.

The council’s award-winning scheme provides primary school children with a warming and nutritious meal, available for collection at key locations across the council area.

To reach out to more children in the community and encourage uptake over the festive period, the council will be offering holiday meals as a takeaway service. The meal will include a delicious packed lunch and hearty soup available to pick up and enjoy at home.

Lunches will be available on December 24, 27, 30 and 31 December. The collection times and venues are as follows: 11am-11.30am at Fullarton Community Hub, The Playz, in Pennyburn Kilwinning and Woodwynd Community Centre.

From 11.30am-12noon at Elderbank Primary, Irvine Hayocks Primary, Stevenson and St Bridget’s Primary, Kilbirnie.

From 12.15-12:45pm at Dalry Primary, Dreghorn Primary and Mayfield Primary Centre, Saltcoats.

There’s no need to book a place – pupils from all North Ayrshire primary schools can simply turn up to their nearest location in time for the pickup and all meals are free.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “The holiday school meals initiative is now firmly established over our four holiday periods. During the October break, the team served up 2,206 meals – a fantastic effort from all!

“North Ayrshire is a child-centred council and the initiative is one we are very proud of as it underpins our commitment to putting children first, providing every child, no matter their background, with a warm, healthy meal when they’re not at school.”