SCHOOL pupils in Bury who have to self-isolate due to coronavirus will still receive free school meals, the council has announced.

Food parcels will be prepared for eligible children if they cannot attend class or if new lockdown restrictions are imposed.

These will be picked-up and delivered by the local authority's catering service and will contain 'a variety of foods which meet nutritional guidelines', a Bury Council spokesman added.

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for children, young people and skills, said: “All of us are keen to have our children back in school, for the educational benefits this brings and for their mental health and wellbeing.

“But, whether at school or at home, they need a square meal.

"It would be quite wrong for them to lose out if they have to stay off because they or a member of their household is having to self-isolate due to Covid-19.

“We all hope this will not happen, but the continuing high rates of infection in Bury mean we have to make these plans to keep our young people healthy and not impose an additional financial burden on their parents and carers.”