Low-income families affected by the Edinburgh school closures are being offered support after it emerged there had been a surge in demand at food banks.

Edinburgh City Council said it was aware parents whose children rely on free school meals had approached foodbanks after 17 schools remained closed after the Easter break.

It confirmed cash from the Scottish Welfare Fund would be made available to families who were struggling to feed their children due to the unexpected closures.

Funds will be directly distributed to relatives via school head teachers.

Those in "severe crisis" have been advised to apply from a grant from the welfare charity.

The council has pledged to ensure all 7600 displaced primary, secondary and special school pupils from across the city will be back in class by Tuesday.

It has also been announced that practical exams due to be held this week have been postponed.

The council said in a statement on its website: "We are working closely with the SQA. All practical exams that were due to take place this week have been postponed and will be rearranged.

"We will update students when we have more information."