The Salvation Army in Chester has extended its parent and toddler group programme to support struggling families during the forthcoming school holidays.

Usually taking a break during the summer, this year the charity will maintain the programme, recognising the financial burden and worries many families face during this period.

The group, known as Tots and Co, usually welcomes children up to five years old.

However, to accommodate families with older children, the age limit has been increased to 11 for the duration of the six-week school break.

Meeting every Wednesday from 9.30am to 11am, the group provides valuable support for struggling families.

Church leader at The Salvation Army, Gay Tonks, said: "Once the school holidays arrive costs can go up for families.

"From finding extra money to spend on activities to stretching budgets to ensure children are fed - schools really are a lifeline to many and when that is taken away, times can become desperate.

"We know that for many of the families who attend our weekly parent and toddler group it relieves a lot of pressure; it gets them out of the house so household energy consumption is kept to a minimum, the children are occupied in a safe space and given snacks, and the parents’ mental health is boosted, as for many it can be the only adult interaction that they have all week.

"We felt to take that away from the group during the summer break didn’t feel right and in the times many people are living in, we are needed more than ever."

For a small donation of £1 per child, participants can engage in free play, join in with age-appropriate nursery rhymes and songs, and are provided with toast and refreshments.

Mr Tonks said: "The Salvation Army has always been at the heart of communities.

"Ensuring that toast and drinks are provided sounds so simple but to a lot of people that is one less thing to worry about, and to find the money for.

"We will always do all we can to support people within our community."

Tots and Co is held at the church and community centre on St Anne Street, and throughout the summer, will be open to children from 0-11 accompanied by a parent or guardian.

From September the group will return to accommodating children aged up to five.