STUDENTS at The Bourne Academy will be provided with free bagels, orange juice and hot chocolate after the school was selected to join the National School Breakfast Programme.

Funding for the initiative is coming from the Department for Education and the programme is being delivered by two charities, Family Action and Magic Breakfast.

Introduction of the breakfasts will provide a £9,000 saving for the school, which currently provides toast for students on arrival out of its own budget.

The school, in Hadow Road, Bournemouth, has also been given £500 for a freezer to store produce when it is delivered.

Wellbeing co-ordinator Alison Price said: "When children start off their day with a well-balanced breakfast it can improve mood, increase energy, enhance positive feelings and help clarity of thought."

The aim of National School Breakfast Programme is that no child is too hungry to learn.