AN organisation based in Bude, which provides vital holiday provisions to local children, has said it is ‘honoured’ to receive a national award.

At the end of November, LJD Coaching attended the prestigious Department for Education (DFE) Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) awards, held at the House of Commons. The team proudly accepted the Southwest Regional Award and were even announced as the national winners.

LJD Coaching provides activities for children during the school holidays, with the aim of offering exercise and a hot meal to those who otherwise may not have such things.

Awards were presented by MP Stephen Morgan, Minister for Early Education, recognising LJD Coaching's ‘outstanding contributions in addressing rural isolation, supporting families during the cost-of-living crisis, and providing inclusive and innovative holiday programs’.

The team’s efforts include delivering physical activities, STEAM initiatives, arts, crafts, music, and catering to vulnerable groups, such as children in care and those with special educational needs and disabilities.

Liam Dart, director of LJD Coaching, expressed his gratitude and astonishment: "We can’t believe it! We were honored to be nominated and to win the DFE HAF Southwest Regional Award, but we never expected to win the National Award too. It took us completely by surprise. We are overwhelmed, especially given where we’re based compared to other regional winners. I must thank the parents, families, and Active Cornwall for nominating us.

"This is very much a team award, including all the staff and young leaders who make our holiday programs a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. We’re incredibly grateful to our community supporters and partners who enable us to deliver such an inclusive program. We will continue to improve our offer, and we hope the T2M HAF funding will be extended by the DFE for 2025, as many children, young people, and families rely on it in these tough times."