A scheme set up to give schoolchildren in Bradford a healthy start to the day is helping to reduce truancy levels.

The early morning Breakfast Club at Delph Hill estate is proving a hit with youngsters and their parents.

And Kath Chappell, head teacher at nearby High Fernley First School, says the number of children skipping lessons has dropped since its launch last year.

The club offers nutritional breakfasts to parents, children and local residents at a low cost. It is used by dozens of youngsters from High Fernley First School and Woodside First School.

Mrs Chappell said: "The organisers have made it fun and it has given pupils a target - as a result our attendance record has improved. The school day is a long one, especially for younger children, so it is important that they get the right start."

The scheme has been such a success that another breakfast club will be launched next month at Buttershaw First School.

Raj Panesar, project development officer with the Royds Community Association, said: "It is a good way of enticing young people back to school. It sounds funny, but breakfasts could help to alleviate some of the truancy problems we have had in the district.''

Beryl Crebbin, headteacher at Buttershaw First School, added: "The scheme will be open to all residents. We want make this an open environment and develop strong links with the whole community - hopefully we can get some community spirit going."

The Buttershaw Breakfast Club will be officially opened on February 27. It will be open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning between 8am and 8.45pm. The menu will include cereals, toast, fruit juice, tea and coffee and each breakfast will cost just 25p per person.

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