TENS of thousands of children in Glasgow would benefit from a plan by Labour to give ‘seasonal grants’ to the poorest families, the party has said.

the grants of £100 twice a year would be paid from birth to 16 and the same eligibility for free school means would apply.

Labour said it would benefit 150,000 families and 277,000 children across Scotland.

In Glasgow there are 25,000 pupils who qualify for free school meals and and many more pre school children would also be eligible for the grants paid at Christmas and the start of the summer holidays.

Last week the Evening Times reported how parents in Glasgow were skipping meals to feed their children during the summer holidays when there are no free school meals available.

Some schools in the city have joined an initiative to open over the summer to offer meals and play schemes and trips for the children.

Last year Ibrox and Dalmarnock primary schools took part in the scheme.

This year another five schools will also open to offer extra help to parents

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: “Labour’s plans for school holiday grants could have a transformational effect for the poorest families.

“The school holidays are just around the corner and they can hit family finances hard.

“That’s why Labour would put more money into the pockets of working class families.

“That’s the kind of change Labour can deliver.

“That’s why on June 8 people should elect Labour MPs fighting for working class families, not SNP MPs who will only fight for another referendum.”

The Labour leader said the summer holidays hit the poorest families hard as the effective childcare they get from schools and nurseries becomes unavailable.

The seasonal grant is expected to help with the cost of food and other activities during the school holidays