Schoolchildren in Oxfordshire are being encouraged to sign up to a packed programme of free holiday camps and food this summer as part of a government-funded initiative.

Delivered by Marston-based Ignite Sport, in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council, the Holiday Activity and Food programme provides healthy food and engaging activities to pupils from reception to year 11.

The programme has been championed by Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford and last summer engaged with over 600,000 children across the UK.

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Sessions in Oxfordshire will be delivered on weekdays from now until Friday, August 26, across four venues - The Velocity Stadium in Oxford, Langford Village School in Bicester, East and West Hendred Cricket Club and Witney Community Primary School.

They are suitable for participants aged four to 16 and delivered between 9am and 3pm.

Andy Francis, sport delivery manager at Ignite Sport, said HAF is enabling children to fulfil their true potential through fully funded activities and food. He added: “This summer will be a challenging period for some families in Oxfordshire as the cost-of-living crisis squeezes people’s ability to fund increased food and childcare costs.”

Ignite Sport’s full HAF programme can be viewed at ignitesportuk.com/course/summer-holiday-clubs

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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF