A scheme which provides short breaks for disabled children and their families is being expanded thanks to a £5 million Government cash boost.

Bradford Council is one of 21 local authorities across the country to receive a share of £370m from the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

The local funding, which will be received over a three-year period, will help build on the council's shared care service that gives children a change of scenery and their families a break.

The money will also enable disabled children to go to youth clubs, mainstream children's holiday schemes and after school clubs.

Councillor Colin Gill, the council's executive member for children's services, said: "This much-needed investment will make a real difference to the excellent work already being done in the district. Because we have been selected as a "pathfinder" authority, the way we develop these services will be a blueprint for how they develop nationally."

Additional funding has also been directed to Bradford and Airedale Teaching Primary Care Trust (tPCT) so it can work with the authority to increase services for children with disabilities, complex health needs and terminal illnesses.

Simon Morritt, chief executive of the tPCT, said the organisation's extra cash was very welcome. He added: "We will use the investment to work closely with the local authority to ensure that the lives of some of the most vulnerable children with complex health problems and their families are improved."

The council has pledged to liaise with families on the sort of short break services they want and a consultation event is being held at Valley Parade, Bradford, on March 18. All parents of disabled children are welcome. For further details phone 01274 431776 or e-mail dcis@bradford.gov.uk.