PRIMARY pupils from West Dunbartonshire will have the option to receive a free school meal from January.

The new initiative being launched on Monday January 5 for pupils in P1-P3.

The scheme, which will save families with one eligible child £360 a year, is being funded by the Scottish Government.

Councillor Patrick McGlinchey, Convener of Infrastructure and Regeneration, said: "We are fully committed to the health of our young people and recognise the importance a healthy diet plays in a child's development."

An additional 1,000 children a year will eat school meals as a result of the initiative.