PARENTS on the Isle of Wight are being told an email demand for cash to pay for free school meals is a scam.

Islanders are being warned to ignore messages claiming to be from the government, telling them to pay a fee for the meals of pupils still in school.

The Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership (IWASP) said those entitled to free meals should not be fooled into sending bank details.

Yesterday IWASP warned of a text scam telling residents to pay a £35 ‘fine’ for leaving the house.

In response to the latest scam, Sally Ash, fair trading officer for the Isle of Wight Council, said: "The email states, ‘As schools will be closing, if you’re entitled to free school meals, please send your bank details and we’ll make sure you’re supported’.

"This is a scam. Do not respond and delete it immediately."