A Scottish council could provide meals to underprivileged children 365 days a year to tackle "holiday hunger".

North Lanarkshire Council said free school dinners are the only nutritious, balanced meals some pupils from low-income families get.

It is set to pilot a scheme offering meals every day, including holidays and weekends.

Councillor Frank McNally, convener of the council's education committee, said: "These proposals to tackle weekend and holiday hunger are the most ambitious in the country.

"Groups like the Trussell Trust are struggling to cope with demand from parents and research has suggested that pressure on food banks doubles during the holidays.

"North Lanarkshire has one of the highest concentrations of deprivation in the country and this is only going to be exacerbated by further welfare reforms."

The council said holiday hunger can affect pupils' academic performance and social skills and potentially contributes to the attainment gap.

The number of children living in deprivation in North Lanarkshire is higher than the Scottish average, while life-expectancy is lower. Levels of obesity are also above than average.

Mr McNally added: "A good diet plays a key role in healthy growth and development, supporting learning and social skills and sets a positive habit to be continued later in life.

"Our plans will do much to promote healthy eating and address some of the symptoms of poverty for children who need it most."

The full scheme is expected to cost around £414,000 each year, with the pilot to cost nearly £11,000.