A festive programme offering free activities and meals for children is set to return.

The Isle of Wight Council confirmed its Christmas Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme will be back for 2024.

The scheme, funded by the Department for Education, ensures children and young people who receive benefits-related free school meals can enjoy free activities and a nutritious meal each day of the festive break.

The programme also extends some spots to other vulnerable families.

A total of 1,220 places will be available across various activities and providers, including Medina Leisure Centre, Island Riding Centre, Quay Arts and Aspire.

In East Cowes and Wootton, activities will be provided by CM Sports at Queensgate Primary School and John Cattle Skate Club.

In Ryde, the creative hub and Kingdom Play at Aspire Ryde, LJR Coaching, and Premier School Sport Coaching will be offering spots.

Theatre Educational will also be hosting activities at Oakfield Primary School.

In Sandown, Shanklin, and Ventnor, the Football Fun Factory, Premier School Sport Coaching, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, and Isle of Wight Rarebreeds Alverstone Dairy will be involved.

Councillor Debbie Andre, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: "I wish to say a huge thank you to all the providers who have worked with us to support children and their families by offering a varied programme of fun and exciting activities during the Christmas holidays and also providing them with a nutritious meal.

"The HAF programme continues to be a real success in offering an opportunity for those children and young people, who might not otherwise have had the chance to attend a holiday club or an activity day, to enjoy making new friends, a tasty meal and learning while they're having fun."

A full list of what’s available can be found on the Family Information Hub website.