We have just marked National School Meals Week. At the start of this new school year, all Wiltshire primary schools were asked to serve hot meals to their youngest children. All bar four schools met this demanding deadline and they will serve hot food in the course of this term.

I congratulate all headteachers and their staff who have worked so hard to make this happen.

To thrive physically and mentally children need a loving home and plenty of sleep.

They also need nutritious food and exercise, and for them to get on in life, a good education is vital. Liberal Democrats in government recognise the importance of education. Our Pupil Premium provides additional money to support the needs of children from the poorest backgrounds. It has produced an extra £5m for North Wiltshire schools over the last four years.

Hunger affects health and concentration. So hungry children struggle to learn and often disrupt classes. I am delighted that 2,900 children in North Wiltshire are now enjoying free school dinners. No doubt their parents have also welcomed this helping hand to their hard-pressed family budgets.

Dr Brian Mathew, Liberal Democrat Prospective MP for North Wiltshire, Yatton Keynell.