Thousands of families across Stoke-on-Trent will be given supermarket vouchers for food during the Christmas school break. 

The vouchers, funded by the Department of Work and Pensions, can be redeemed at Aldi, Asda, Iceland, Morrisons, Sainsburys, Tesco and Waitrose. 

Families who receive free school meals and families where children have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in place will get a £50 voucher per child. 

This is part of the £2 million package of funding and support distributed to families and individuals over winter by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. 

This follows on from the summer holidays when food vouchers were provided to over 16,000 children in the city.

Council leader Abi Brown said: "We know many households are already struggling with the rise in the cost of living and this will be much needed support from them."

"Families do not need to apply for a voucher if their child is at a school in the city - schools will issue the vouchers directly for children who are eligible to receive them."

Families across Stoke -on-Trent can also access support via The Stronger Together Through Winter initiative. 

This campaign has created a host of welcoming spaces across the city as well as signposting information on food and financial and mental health support. 

For more information, visit their website.