Children benefiting from holiday grants have been able to meet a charity mascot on his “safari tour”.

John Lyon’s Charity offers a School Holiday Activity Fund to make sure all children and young people can have fun experiences over the summer holidays.

The charity has distributed over £171 million to support organisations in nine boroughs in north and west London, including Barnet.

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Times Series: John the Lyon promoting the School Holiday Activity Fund. Picture: John Lyon's CharityJohn the Lyon promoting the School Holiday Activity Fund. Picture: John Lyon's Charity

The charity sent its mascot John the Lyon on a special “safari tour” this month to surprise children who benefit from the fund.

Times Series: John the Lyon promoting the School Holiday Activity Fund. Picture: John Lyon's CharityJohn the Lyon promoting the School Holiday Activity Fund. Picture: John Lyon's Charity

CEO of Highgate Newtown Community Centre Andrew Sanalitro said: “This has been our biggest summer program in 30 years thanks to John Lyon’s Charity.

Times Series: John the Lyon promoting the School Holiday Activity Fund. Picture: John Lyon's CharityJohn the Lyon promoting the School Holiday Activity Fund. Picture: John Lyon's Charity

“Having a visit from John the Lyon was the cherry on the icing of a very successful summer.”