YOUNGSTERS at primary schools in the area have been enjoying daily food and fun sessions during the Easter holidays.

Lunches are being served even though the schools are closed with an hour of Easter activities added on to keep the kids entertained.

The school meals extension follows a successful trial by North Ayrshire Council over the festive holiday.

Schools were opened at lunch-time through Christmas and New Year to provide children with nutritious Food for Life accredited meals.

This time round a range of activities will precede lunch at three school dining halls at Hayocks Primary in Stevenston (for Hayocks and St John’s pupils); and Dalry Primary (for Dalry and St Palladius pupils).

The two-hour food and fun sessions are being run between 11am and 1pm until tomorrow (Thursday, April 17).

Children who do not wish to participate in activities can attend for the lunch only, which will be served at 12.15pm.

The price for lunch is £1.90 per day or £15 for all nine days, saving £2.10 on the discounted rate. Children who receive free school lunches will be entitled to eat on all nine days free of charge.

The Easter holidays scheme is the latest initiative from North Ayrshire Council to get youngsters eating and appreciating fresh, wholesome food.

Every day, schoolchildren in this area are served menus containing 80 per cent freshly prepared food. Meals are based on seasonal, local and organic ingredients including fresh bread, seasonal fruit and vegetables, organic bananas, Scottish organic milk and UK farm-assured meat.

The menus are: Wednesday, April 16: Home made soup, chicken curry, rice and chips, jam sponge and custard Thursday, April 17: Brunch of sliced sausage, bacon, egg, beans, potato scone, hash brown, cereal, rolls and toast Milk and fruit juice are available and there are vegetable options on request.

Councillor John Bruce, Cabinet Member for Education Attainment and Achievement, said: ‘‘This is another step forward for our award-winning school meals team.

‘‘We extended the school meals service on a trial basis for five days at Christmas and it was a great success.

‘‘The duration has been increased to nine days over Easter and will incorporate some form of activity before lunch is served.

‘‘It provides youngsters with a chance to take part in group activities throughout the holiday and lets them work up an appetite each day before receiving a good square meal.

‘‘We have always enjoyed a high standard of school meals in North Ayrshire and it is clear to see from the Easter menu why we are considered one of the best in the UK.’’