A free childcare scheme is set to be rolled out in Denbighshire after uproar that the county had been left out.

The scheme will see children of three and four years old get 30 hours of childcare for 48 weeks every year.

The scheme had been trialled in Anglesey, Gwynedd and Flintshire and from this month Wrexham and Conwy residents have had the offer as well.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Denbighshire council’s lead member for children, young people, education and the Welsh language, complained at the time of the announcement that his county was missing out.

But now details of when and how the scheme will be introduced in the county have been given.

It will get to take part in the scheme from next April, councillors on the communities scrutiny committee will be told when they meet on Thursday.

Cllr Hilditch-Roberts said: “Denbighshire County Council has been working hard to ensure the 30 hour childcare offer is made available to all eligible children in the county as soon as possible.

“We have been working closely with the Welsh Government to prepare for the childcare offer to be made available in all areas of Denbighshire at the same time, rather than on a phased approach by communities.

“There have been very positive discussions between the Welsh Government and the council to try and make this happen.”

Richard Weigh, chief finance officer, said: “The report is clear that the costs of implementing and delivering the childcare offer in Denbighshire will be fully funded from a specific Welsh Government revenue grant, and that administrative and training costs will be also be funded by Welsh Government.

“On that basis, the approach recommended within this report is fully supported.”