THOUSANDS of school children in South Lakeland are now receiving free school meals.

In total, 15,078 infant school pupils are now getting a hot and nutritious free lunch at school.

Since the start of this school year, all five-seven year olds receive a free lunch. In total, 23,000 meals a day, included means-tested breakfasts, are provided in Cumbria.

In results from pilot areas, schools saw a 23 per cent increase in the number of children eating vegetables at lunchtime and a reduction of 18 per cent in eating crisps and soft drinks.

The free school meals programme is a £1.2billion programme introduced by the Liberal Democrats in Government. In addition, £150million of capital funding was made available to support local authorities in improving kitchen and dining facilities in order to provide free school meals.

There is also an additional £22.5m specifically to help smaller schools, such as many of those in rural Cumbria.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron said: “Eating a healthy and nutritious meal at school has been proven to help children do better academically and we have made great progress in ensuring more and more pupils all over the country can enjoy these benefits. With the help of hard working teachers and staff, 15,078 infant school children in Cumbria are now getting a free healthy meal at lunch time - saving parents up to £400 a year.”