SCHOOLS minister Jim Knight has praised Bolton Council’s policy of providing free school meals for all reception class children.

Mr Knight recently met Smithills councillor Richard Silvester and was told that a trial for part of the school year had proved extremely successful.

Cllr Silvester said: “St Peter’s Smithills Dean Primary School had almost a 100 per cent take up for the free school meals which is great news. We are now extending the scheme to cover the whole school year.”

Mr Knight added: “There is a lot of good work occurring in Bolton and I endorse Bolton Council’s policies of free school meals for reception class children and the free swimming for young people.

“The council is leading from the front and setting the standard nationally.”