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Free school meal provision will continue through the Easter and Whitsun school holidays, the Welsh Government has announced.

The meals, which will also be available on all bank holidays up until the end of May, will be available to children who are eligible for free school meals.

The Welsh Government has put £9m aside to fund the provision, as part of its Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru – which commits to providing free school meals for all primary school pupils during term-time by 2024.

Wales’ Education Minister Jeremy Miles said: “Many families across Wales are feeling the impact of rising prices and the cost-of-living crisis. I hope extending free school holiday provision until May half-term will give those eligible piece of mind.

“We know that food has a huge impact on concentration and children’s overall wellbeing. I want children and young people to be able to enjoy their school holidays and not have to worry about being hungry.

“This new announcement alongside the news that three million meals have been served up though Universal Primary Free School Meals shows our continued commitment that no child should go hungry.”

The announcement was welcomed by Caerphilly Senedd Member Hefin David, who said: ““It will no doubt bring some relief to people with young families across my constituency, at what are very challenging times.”