December and January saw a scheme for children in Oldham host a range of activities over the holiday period, as well as providing many children with free hot meals.

The Holiday and Activities Food (HAF), programme, organised by the council, saw hundreds of children taking part in activities across the two-week holiday period, with some activities even taking place on Christmas Day.

Free places were offered predominantly to children aged between 5 and 16 that were eligible for benefits-related free school meals, although the programme did offer additional places to others at a small cost.

Children taking part in the scheme were provided with a hot meal as part of each activity.

Councillor Eddie Moores, Cabinet Member for Children and Young people said: "It’s been fantastic, once again, to see our younger ones having a great time over the school holidays.

"2021 was just as testing and challenging for our children and young people, as the year before was, so they thoroughly deserved a great time over the winter holidays."

The children enjoyed a wide range of activities, including multiple sports and games, healthy cooking sessions, festive arts and crafts workshops and even trips to the local pantomimes.

The programme, which began in Easter 2021, looks to support young people during times when schools are closed. Children have fun and are also taught about healthy cooking and eating which they are encouraged to put into practice at home.

Cllr Moores guaranteed HAF would be available for years to come.

He said: "The good news now is that we have additional funding for the next three years to continue this programme and we’re already underway in organising another fantastic offer for Easter, so I’d urge everyone to keep an eye on our website and social media as we announce more information.

"We’re also on the lookout for new providers to hold activities, so if you are interested in getting involved in our next series of events, expressions of interest will be opening in the couple of weeks, so please get in touch with the HAF Team."

Future providers can get in touch by emailing OldhamHAF@oldham.gov.uk.