CHILDREN across Radcliffe and Whitefield who are eligible for free school meals are set to benefit from a national voucher scheme.

Bury South MP Christian Wakeford has welcomed the new measure, which will allow youngsters to continue to access the provision from home.

Schools can now provide every eligible child with a weekly shopping voucher worth £15 to spend at supermarkets while schools are closed due to coronavirus, under a new Department of Education initiative.

The likes of Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose and Marks and Spencer are taking part in the scheme.

Mr Wakeford said: "This is welcome news for many families across Bury South and will help to ensure children get healthy nutritious meals out of school.”

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson added: “No child should go hungry as a result of the measures introduced to keep people at home, protect the NHS and save lives. That’s why we are launching this scheme."