Internet-savvy parents can now check if their children are entitled to free school meals and childcare, as a new council service launches this week.

More than 40,000 residents have signed up for the My Account section of the Thurrock Council website since it was started in 2013.

Parents who sign up will now be able to check whether their children are entitled to free school meals and free childcare for two year olds.

Portfolio Holder for Central Services, Councillor Shane Hebb, said: “We are pleased to be opening up more and more service for residents online.

“Many of our residents work during council office hours, not to mention parents of toddlers and children who have a lot more important things on their plate.

“Commuters, parents, shift workers and others in Thurrock must be able to access all these services when it is convenient for them and this true self-service system works around them.”

Other services residents can use My Account for include: managing council tax, reporting missed bin collections, applying for school places and booking appointments to register births.

To sign up for My Account, visit thurrock.gov.uk/account