FREE school dinners in Warrington could save parents across the town a total of £2.6m, it has been revealed.

From September, every child in reception, year one and year two in state-funded schools will receive a free hot lunch, in a government scheme which aims to improve academic achievement and save families money.

It is estimated that the average family would spend up to £400 per child on packed lunches each year.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, who is spearheading the new initiative, said: “Free school meals for infants will not only save families hundreds of pounds a year but will also have an impact on how a child performs in the classroom so that, regardless of their background, every child can have the best possible start in life.”

Despite a number of schools across the country announcing that they have fallen behind with the implementation of the initiative, all primary schools in Warrington will be ready for the first day of term in September.

The scheme will be funded by money from Central Government totalling £600,000.