A COUNCILLOR has said he is pleased to see other local authorities follow Flintshire's lead.

The Share Your Lunch scheme has once again launched at 25 play scheme sites this summer in a bid to tackle food poverty.

Flintshire Council, in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Clwyd Alyn, has joined forces with “Can Cook” to ensure hundreds of children are fed across the county during the summer holidays.

Cllr Bernie Attridge, of Connah's Quay, said as the previous cabinet member for housing, he was instrumental in delivering the scheme last year.

He told the Leader: "I am pleased that Flintshire County Council are supplying free meals this summer to our children.

"As the previous Cabinet Member for housing I was instrumental in delivering this last year.

"We embarked on this biggest programme in Wales as we were being told by our play workers that some children were coming to the play schemes hungry this is why we took action.

"The meal that’s provided could been the only meal that some children get each day if parents can’t afford to feed their children due to austerity and benefit cuts.

"I’m also glad to see a lot of other local authorities across Wales following Flintshire’s lead."

The scheme aims to provide 800 meals a day for all children at the play schemes across Flintshire.