A DELIVERY driver has been left ‘close to tears’ on his last day of delivering dozens of school lunches to children in Mostyn.

Robert Dowie has been delivering 51 school lunches every day since the start of the coronavirus lockdown, including Bank Holidays.

However, his last day was Friday, May 15 after Welsh Government’s change to a voucher system that will give parents money to provide lunches for children usually on free school meals.

Parents of children in receipt of free school meals must contact Flintshire Council so they can switch them over to direct payments rather than the packed lunch deliveries they have been doing for several weeks.

All eligible families have received a letter from the council and also a flyer delivered with the meals telling them how they can contact them.

If unsure what to do, call the Contact Centre on 01352 752121 for assistance.

Robert Dowie, who is also a councillor for Shotton town council, said he received a heart-warming send-off from children and parents.

He said: “I have been close to tears by the send-off from the children and parents. Some lined up and clapped, some had pictures thanking me and loads of cards and gifts too.

“It is fantastic to see how much your efforts are appreciated. I would like to thank them all and wish them all good luck and stay safe.

“The Welsh Assembly Government has gone to a voucher system that will give a sum of money for the parent to provide to lunch for those children that would be on free school meals.

“I have enjoyed delivering lunch as often the postman and I are the only contact for the children with the outside world. They have been happy to have a weekday lunch delivery. Lots of thank you, lots of waving and I will miss them waiting for me at the window each day.”

A Flintshire Council spokesman said: "Please note all parents of children who receive a free school meal - don’t miss out!

"We are now moving to direct payments to give you more flexibility to buy food for your children.

"So that we can pay you, we need information from you, including your bank details. You can do this via a secure link on our website.

"So you don’t miss out on any payments, complete this form as soon as possible and no later than Thursday, May 14. Forms received after this date will not be backdated.

"The last of the packed lunch deliveries will be on Friday, May 15 and direct payments will begin week commencing May 18 and will continue until schools reopen."