The media giant will give its 3.5 million TV customers free access to seven kids pay TV channels from 1 February to 3 March.

These include entertainment and learning-based programmes available on Cartoon Network, Cartoonio, Boomerang, Nickelodeon, NickToons, Nick Jr and Nick Jr Too.

Kids will be able to watch Blippi, Peppa Pig, PAW Patrol, Dora the Explorer, Masha and the Bear, Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, Adventure Time, and more, with thousands of episodes also available On Demand.

Customers will also be able to stream hundreds of free educational videos and kids box sets from mobile or tablets via the Virgin TV Go app.

And for pre-schoolers, it’s extended free access to its app Hopster until the end of March which enables kids to learn through stories.

David Bouchier, chief TV & entertainment officer at Virgin Media, said: “We recognise the pressures on families to both educate and entertain the kids at home during lockdown. That’s why during February, we are giving our customers access to a great line-up of kids channels and programmes that foster fun and encourage learning, at no extra cost.

“We’ve seen a surge in popularity of kids programmes and apps during the pandemic and believe that this offering will make things a little easier for parents navigating home schooling and half term in lockdown.”