Almost half a million pounds has been pledged to help poorer families look after their children.

Over the next three years, Islington Council will provide �450,000 to help single parents and families on low incomes with childcare during after- school hours and in the holidays.

It is also hoped that the cash will help working parents, or parents who want to get back into work.

Chloe Oyston’s four-year-old daughter, Seryah, attends Pooles Park and Montem after-school clubs.

She said: “I am very pleased to hear the council is putting in �450,000 for after-school child care.

“I wouldn’t have been able to get the good job I have today without the extra childcare I had during my studying and job search.

“Other mums I know would benefit too but I know not everyone is aware of the help out there so more publicity like this is a good thing.”

Cllr Richard Watts, executive member for children and families, said: “Tackling child poverty is central to our work – it’s the reason we get out of bed each day.”