THE importance of a healthy breakfast was fully appreciated by families attending a half-term holiday club at Cinderford Rugby Club.

The initiative by the TwoCan estate agency team to help families struggling with the cost of feeding and entertaining their children during the school holidays saw a record turn-out, with 140 people attending the event.

Children tucked into porridge, toast, fruit and yogurt, made new friends and enjoyed arts and crafts, face-painting, board games and toys, while the toddler area also proved popular with new mums and their babies.

The TwoCan team helped out, assisting children with reading and sticker books, while NHS representatives attended and offered advice on immunisation as well as an adult education team.

Owen Chandler, Two Rivers Housing’s welfare, benefit and debt assistant, said: “These clubs provide important opportunities for children and parents to have something nutritious to eat, but also to socialise, have fun and gain advice and support if wanted.

“This is the third event we have run in Cinderford and we hope to hold more at other locations in the months to come, so keep an eye out for adverts on social media and our website.”

Michelle Gardener, who brought along her daughter, Lily, ten, and son, Todd, five, said. “This is the third holiday club we have come along to here and they just get busier and busier. We have had a great time again and really recommend the club.

“It is especially good at this time of the year when the weather’s not good and offers a great opportunity for the children to have fun and play.”

Two Rivers Housing (www.tworivershousing.

org.uk) is an independent not-for-profit community organisation providing quality affordable homes for communities in Glou­cestershire and Herefordshire.