Thousands of children can pick up a free meal this summer as part of a new initiative introduced by leading ferry company P&O.

P&O Ferries is offering children up to the age of 15 a free meal in its Fables Restaurant on all of its Irish Sea routes, when two adult meals are purchased. The offer is available on all sailings between Larne, Cairnryan and Troon until Wednesday, September 5, 2012.

Arthur Murphy, Business Development Manager at P&O Ferries, said: “Last year we carried over 70K young people and their parents during the busy summer period and we are delighted to be able to offer parents this money saving deal. Our Fables restaurant is hugely popular serving a wide variety of delicious dishes, from substantial meals to snacks and nibbles. There really is something to cater for every taste."

P&O Ferries operates 10 sailings per day from Larne to Cairnryan and Troon. On board facilities include souvenirs, books, toys and games and perfume at up to 40 per cent off high street prices.

Pictured above right, young Lily-Rose Muldoon, aged six, helps P&O Ferries Captain Colin Fleming launch its new kids eat free initiative.