More than 800 struggling families are to be given free, government-funded holidays in England this year.

Parents, carers and young people facing difficulties will qualify for the free trips.

The £600,000 ‘England for Everyone’ initiative is being funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for families with financial difficulties and those facing illness, isolation or bereavement.

It is being run in partnership with VisitEngland and the Family Holiday Charity.

Each trip, to be taken from Monday to Friday or Friday to Monday, will be worth up to £450.

It includes accommodation, with allowances for travel and food.

Holidays may be taken at any time for families with preschool age children or during school holidays before 5 June for families with at least one child under 18.

The Family Holiday Charity is working with registered referrers to select families most in need of a break.