Free holiday activities on offer for eligible children this Christmas

There are a range of sessions, including football, ice skating and cinema experiences.

The activities are available for children aged five to 16 who live in the Borough and receive benefits-related free school meals.

Each activity also includes a free meal for the children taking part.

It's all thanks to the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF), led by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council in partnership with the Department for Education.

I think my child is eligible to take part - what do I need to do?

If you think your child is eligible for the free activities then you need to register here (opens new window). Registrations are open from today (November 29).

If you're eligible, you will then be sent a confirmation email within three working days. This will include a link and a code to book activities for your child.

Bookings can be made from Monday, December 6 and places will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

I can't access the registration form online. What can I do?

If you can't access the registration form online then you can email haf@stockton.gov.uk or call 01642 526882.

When are the activities running?

The activities are running from Monday, December 20 until Friday, December 24.

There will also be a very small number of sessions during week commencing December 27.

What do Councillors think?

Councillor Lisa Evans, the Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "This is going to light up the Christmas holidays for so many children because they can keep healthy and active, make friends and most importantly of all have a fun and exciting time!

"The activities follow on from the HAF programme during the summer holidays and once again there's all sorts to choose from, such as arts and crafts, gymnastics and Go Climb.

"There are more than 1,000 places available but it's first-come, first-served, so I'd urge you all to get registered as soon as you can so you're ready to use the code online to book the activities you want for your child on December 6."