A SCHOOL is set to provide free Christmas meals for students and their families.

The Pioneer Academy is to fund a free Christmas dinner for up to 150 guests at Moulsecoomb Primary School on Wednesday December 8.

The meal will be for pupils at the school, as well as their extended families.

The scheme, in partnership with Nourish Contract Catering, runs at all schools in The Pioneer Academy trust.

The Pioneer Academy CEO Lee Mason Ellis said: “Offering this special celebration that allows family and the local community to come together at no cost is one of the defining points of our trust.

“I hope all those that attend have an amazing time and that it kicks off their festivities in style. I always enjoy attending the Christmas Family Meal at our schools, they never fail to be uplifting and everyone leaves with a big smile on their face.”

The event will offer free food, music and a visit from Father Christmas, who will ensure each child goes home with a gift.

He said the idea for the free meal event originated when the trust wanted to make sure all pupils experienced a Christmas dinner, but has since become “a fixture on the community’s calendar”.

Moulsecoomb Primary School head teacher Adam Sutton said: “It’s fantastic that we are able to provide it at no cost thanks to The Pioneer Academy’s well negotiated catering contract.

“I am grateful to our brilliant staff who are giving up their time to put the meal on, it’s shaping up to be a truly memorable community event.”