A HEREFORD school will be spreading a little festive cheer with a free Christmas lunch for all pupils to ensure no-one is left out during the cost of living crisis.

More than 600 pupils at the Hereford Academy will get a truly fantastic, free festive treat as they all get to sit down and enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch together on December 15.

The school, which is on Marlbrook Road, will not be charging pupils a single penny for the meal – for which they will be joined by around 80 staff – and they will get to enjoy it as part of their normal school day.

The lunch will include all the festive favourites, including pigs in blankets, with, of course, alternative options available for pupils and staff with specific dietary requirements.

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Headteacher Michael Stoppard said: “We are very pleased to be able to offer all our pupils and staff a free festive lunch and it’s something we felt strongly we wanted to provide.

“We know these are challenging times and to avoid some of our families having to make difficult decisions about whether they could afford to pay for a special meal at school or not, we have taken the decision out of their hands and will serve a delicious meal for every pupil and member of staff to enjoy.

“At this time of year it’s great for people to come together and we feel this will be a memorable event for our whole school community to enjoy. We did not want anyone to miss out, which is why we are delighted to be able to make it available for everyone.

“I am incredibly proud of our school and the hard work that our pupils and staff continue to put in. This gesture is the least they all deserve and, most importantly, it is something we are doing for everyone here.

“No-one will need to miss out because of their own personal circumstances, and in the current climate it ensures that every single individual has the same opportunity to enjoy something together as part of our school community.”

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