Parents in Spain have reacted angrily after schools are to start charging students to eat packed lunches.

The daily fee of up to €3 is to be introduced when the new school term begins.

The charge is said to reflect the cost to use of the dining room and the supervision that is required.

Traditionally low-income families there have been eligible for grants for school meals but recent cuts have forced education boards to seek new charges.

There is expected to be regional variations in final cost of the fee.

The Irish Independent says Catalonia could see a charge of up to €3 while Valencia is said to be considering a daily charge of just €1.75.