A TEAM of volunteers has been delivering free school meals to eligible pupils who attend Barrow schools.

Since Monday Chetwynde School has continued to provide free school meals to youngsters by delivering packed lunches to their doorsteps.

St Pius and St George's in Barrow and Vickerstown on Walney have also been delivering lunches to kids.

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are automatically eligible for free school meals.

Others who are eligible include those from households who receive certain benefits.

Education bosses had expressed concerns about youngsters being able to access healthy lunches after the Government confirmed all schools would close.

But thanks to the Chetwynde volunteers, led by Mr Kaighan and his young daughter, parents of pupils will not need to worry about sourcing an extra meal.

The packed lunches include a sandwich with choices including ham, egg and tuna, an apple, a bottle of water and a flapjack.

Official guidance states: “If your school is closed and your school catering team cannot provide meals or food parcels, you should offer families of pupils eligible for free school meals an alternative.”

Government advice advises headteachers to speak to the school catering team (in house) or school catering provider to see if they can prepare meals or food parcels that could be delivered to, or collected by families.

Schools which incur additional costs as a result of providing such a service will be able to seek compensation, the Department for Education has confirmed.

A spokesperson said: “We will provide further guidance shortly on how we will compensate schools who incur additional costs in providing free school meals or vouchers to pupils affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).”