Free school meals for every child up to seven... but how on earth in austerity Britain can we afford Mr Clegg's £600m giveaway?

• Deputy Prime Minister will announce £600m policy in conference speech
• He will claim it will improve attainment, child health and save parents cash
• Lib Dem leader boasts of deal with Tories offering marriage tax break
• 1.5 million pupils in reception, year one and year two will eat for free

Free school meals are to be extended to all infant pupils in England at a cost of £600million a year. Nick Clegg will announce today that from next September an extra 1.5million children will qualify for the meals, regardless of their parents’ income. The Deputy Prime Minister will tell the Lib Dem conference that the policy – which will save even the best-off families an average of £437 a year per child – was his price for agreeing to Tory plans for a tax break for married couples, worth about £150 a year. Scroll down for video

Free: Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg and wife Miriam Gonzales visited a school ahead of an announcement of free lunches for four, five and six year-olds in England

Not impressed: As the Cleggs around healthy fruit snacks to pupils at Lairdslands Primary School, six-year-old Dylan Hogg turned his nose up at the apple, grapes and strawberries Last night there were concerns over the cost of the scheme, while critics swiftly branded it a ‘gimmick’. Treasury sources said it would be funded through spending cuts elsewhere, but critics questioned the coherence of offering free school meals for all young children, while taking the axe to other universal payments such as child benefit for the better-off. One senior Tory said it was ‘an appalling waste of £600million of taxpayers’ money’ and a ‘deal done on the back of a fag packet’. Mr Clegg’s announcement at 5pm came only two hours after Treasury Chief Secretary Danny Alexander had told the conference: ‘There’s no spending bonanza around the corner.’ Currently, free school meals are limited to the 400,000 poorest families. Extending them to all reception, year one and year two pupils is part of what the Lib Dems called a ‘straight up and down deal’ with the Tories that will mean them agreeing to a similar sum to be spent on a tax break for married couples.

Tour: The Deputy PM visited the school in Kirkintilloch near Glasgow ahead of his announcement on free meals, which will only apply in England

Mr Clegg will tell delegates in Glasgow: ‘My ambition is that every primary school pupil should be able to sit down to a hot, healthy lunch. ‘Over the course of a year, families spend over £400 on lunch money for each child. I am determined to do all we can to help put money back in the pockets of these families. 'The Conservatives . . . have made it clear that their priority is to help some families over others, with a tax break for married couples. A tax break for some, funded through the taxes of others. ‘That tells you everything you need to know about their values. We, however, will help all families in these tough times, not just the kind we like best.’ But Tory sources dismissed the idea of a ‘deal’ over marriage tax breaks, pointing out that the Coalition Agreement struck in 2010 committed the Lib Dems to abstaining on that issue.

Healthy: Mr Clegg will argue that pupils who have school meals are healthier and achieve more academically

Learning: Pupils who eat a free school meal were two months ahead of children who did not in pilot schemes

Visit: Mr Clegg was joined by wife Miriam on meeting children at Lairdlands Primary School, in Kirkintilloch near Glasgow

Announcement: The Lib Dem conference draws to a close in Glasgow on Wednesday

Restaurateur John Vincent proposed free school meals in a review for the Government earlier this year. Mr Vincent, co-founder of the Leon chain, said: ‘I am in Ethiopia right now, and frankly I cried when I heard. This is ground-breaking stuff.’ But former Labour welfare minister Frank Field said the money could be better spent on support for disadvantaged children before they reached school age. ‘If one was looking for ways to ensure every child fulfils his potential, this would fall early in the debate,’ he said of the meals policy. ‘This has more than a little of the smell of 1950s political gravy about it.’ In pilot areas where free school meals have been extended to all, including County Durham and parts of London, students were found to be on average two months ahead of peers elsewhere.

Quite the likeness: A bust of Nick Clegg is finished by a 3D printer at the Microsoft stand at the Lib Dem Party Conference at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow Ryan Bourne, of the Centre for Policy Studies think-tank, said: ‘There was me thinking we had huge public borrowing. 'The poorest children are already eligible for free school meals – the main beneficiaries of this new universal benefit will be middle and upper-income households, who really don’t need a public subsidy.’ Robert Oxley, of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, blasted the move as a ‘conference gimmick’, while Mark Littlewood, of the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: ‘This is an enormously bad use of public money.’ However, Save the Children’s director of UK poverty, William Higham, said: ‘This will have a huge impact on the lives of tens of thousands of children in England. For many children, a school meal will be the only decent hot meal they get.’ The National Union of Teachers said pupils of all ages should qualify, adding: ‘Children do not stop being hungry at seven.’

Big Bang Theory star Simon Helberg and his wife Jocelyn Towne welcome a baby girl called Adeline

He may often be studying the moon in his hit show The Big Bang Theory. But actor Simon Helberg is currently on cloud nine after he and his wife Jocelyn Towne welcomed a new baby girl into the world last week. The couple's representation confirmed that they are the proud parents of a daughter called Adeline. 'The family is thrilled,' a source told the magazine. 'Simon is excited to be a father... he's been doing his reading.'

New parents: Big Bang Theory actor Simon Helberg and his wife Joceyln Towne are the proud parents of a baby girl called Adeline

Helberg – who famously plays the role of aerospace engineer Howard Wolowitz in the CBS sitcom - met Towne in his home town of Los Angeles The pair married in 2007 and have enjoyed five years in wedlock. A recent move from the TV star could have been taken as a big hint he was accommodating for an expanding family. In November last year, Simon – whose other film and TV credits include MADtv, National Lampoon's Van Wilder, A Cinderella Story and A Serious Man – splashed out on a pad formerly owned by Charlie Sheen. He reportedly paid $2.9million for the former Two and a Half Men actor’s palatial pad, according to Realtor.com.

Famous role: Helberg famously plays the role of aerospace engineer Howard Wolowitz in the hit CBS sitcom

The stunning Mediterranean-style home was built in 1927 and is located just south of the Griffith Observatory and Mount Hollywood in the prominent Los Feliz neighbourhood. The 4,200-square-foot land features a restored interior with Bouquet Canyon stone flooring, a spacious living room with trestle-style vaulted ceilings, a formal dining room and a master suite. It also boasts an outdoor courtyard and walkways that lead to an large backyard and pool. Helberg, who plays tight-trousers-and-turtleneck-wearing nerd for his main job, was nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series at the 18th Annual SAG Awards this year. Prior to finding fame on the programme, the Californian had small roles on Sabrina The Teenage Witch, Arrested Development and Less Than Perfect.

World famous physicist Stephen Hawking performs Big Bang Theory theme song in surprise Comic-Con appearance

He's the one man on the planet who science geek Sheldon Cooper is really impressed by. Renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking made a surprise appearance at Friday's Big Bang Theory panel at Comic-Con in San Diego, California. And the 71-year-old genius - who is idolized by Jim Parson's character on the hit show - even apologized to the gob-smacked audience that he could not be there in person during his pre-recorded video segment. Scroll down to see video

Amazing: World famous physicist Stephen Hawking made an pre-recorded appearance before a Big Bang Theory panel at Comic-Con on Friday

Hawking - who has made cameo appearance on the show playing himself - started his message by saying: 'Sorry, I couldn't be there. I got a flat tire - that was a joke. Ha ha!' And the amazing Oxford born physicist and cosmologist joked that he enjoyed playing games with Sheldon. 'When I'm not playing Words With Friends with Sheldon, I like to think about the universe,' he revealed. My hero! Jim Parson's Sheldon gets to meet Stephen on the Big Bang Theory back in April Then, much to the delight of the assembled fans, Hawking decided to explain the Big Bang theory in 17 words by singing the show's theme song. Fans of the CBS show were also treated to impromptu appearances two of the show's actors Melissa Rauch (Bernadette Rostenkowski) and Johnny Galecki (Leonard Hofstadter) at Comic-Con. Rauch moderated the writer's panel while Galecki posed as a fan waiting in line to ask a question dressed up in a Princess Leia bounty hunter disguise from Return of the Jedi. 'I just couldn't stay away,' he told the crowd after revealing himself.

Fan appeal: Johnny Galecki and Melissa Rauch met fans at Comic-Con

In costume: The Big Bang Theory's Johnny Galecki dressed as a bounty hunter from Return of the Jedi to surprise fans at Comic-Con

Surprise! Johnny's costume as a bounty hunter from Return of the Jedi was a big hit

And a day after the show was nominated for the Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy co-creator Bill Prady and show-runner Steve Molaro also dished out some secrets on what fans can expect from season seven of the Big Bang Theory. Fans can enjoy seeing more of the strange dynamic developing between Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Amy (Mayim Bialik) When asked if they will finally consummate their relationship, Molaro revealed: 'It's a possibility - Amy will continue trying to get her way.' Fans will also see Amy and Bernadette (Rauch) go on a trip together and will see Leonard on the research ship with Hawking when the series returns on September 26.

I'm here! : Johnny gave The Big Bang Theory Panel a shock by appearing in costume

Geek squad: Cast from Big Bang Theory appear at People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles back in January

Preparing to practiseThe Big Bang Theory? Comedian Johnny Galecki and girlfriend Kelli Garner stock up on firewood

Maybe the pair are stocking up for a long snuggle session by the fireplace. While Los Angeles enjoys a January heat spell, Johnny Galecki and girlfriend Kelli Garner were spotted buying a huge amount of firewood and a few other necessities at a grocery store in Hollywood on Saturday. The couple, who have been publicly dating for nearly a year, also left the high-end market Bristol Farms with a fresh bouquet of flowers and toilet paper, perhaps suggesting a romantic weekend ahead.

Snuggling by the fireplace: Johnny Galecki and girlfriend Kelli Garner piled up on bundles of wood at a grocery store in Hollywood on Saturday

The former Roseanne actor, who at 37 is nearly a decade older than his ladylove, wore a hat and a light coat over a pair of sloppy painted jeans as he pushed along the lions share of their newly purchased goods. Kelli, who starred in the aviation drama Pan Am before it was cancelled after one season, let her lacy white bra peep out over her v-neck T-shirt, which she tucked into a pair of skinny jeans. The loved up pair's outing comes as Johnny is preparing to shoot the Valentine's Day episode for his hit CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory.

Making a mess: The former Roseanne star wore a pair of painted jeans for their outing

Prepping for Valentine's Day: The actor is set to make a big romantic gesture on his show The Big Bang Theory

The brown-haired actor, who plays nerd Leonard Hofstadter, told theHollywood Reporter on Tuesday that he may be making a large romantic gesture with his girlfriend Penny, played by Kaley Cuoco. The on-screen couple, who have been dating on and off for the past six seasons, ended it all before reuniting and professing their love for each other in the 100th episode. But the holiday-themed episode will push the two into new territory.

The gang's all here: Johnny and Kaley Cuoco were split apart by their cast mates at the People's Choice Awards

'It's a big one for Leonard and Penny -- there might be somebody getting down on one knee,' Johnny said. 'The ball is still in her court. The last couple of seasons have really been about her emotional inabilities. 'I don't know if it'll work out, I'm just saying,' he continued. Johnny and Kaley came clean last year about secretly dating behind the scenes, but admitted it didn't work because they were afraid their relationship would mimic the drama on the show.

Big news: The couple could be getting engaged -- on their show

Aside from his leading role in the popular sitcom, the dark-haired actor will star alongside Topher Grace, Zachary Quinto, and Luke Wilson in next year's thriller called The Invitation. Johnny also plays real-life record executive Terry Ork in next year's CBGB, which takes a look at the New York City punk-rock scene and the venerable nightclub of the same name. Ashley Greene, Malin Åkerman, Alan Rickman, Justin Bartha, and Rupert Grint are also set to appear in the punk-infused flick.

Big bang hit: Galecki currently stars as Leonard Hofstadter in the CBS sitcom Big Bang Theory, now in its sixth season

The Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco strips down to skimpy lingerie for sizzling new photo shoot

She plays the object of desire in the hit show The Big Bang Theory. And Kaley Cuoco seems quite happy to be viewed as a blonde bombshell even off-screen. The 27-year-old showed off her cleavage and curves in skimpy lingerie in a provocative photo shoot for the July issue of Britain's FHM magazine. Scroll down for video

Provocative: Kaley Cuoco strips down to skimpy lingerie for a racy new photo shoot in the July issue of FHM magazine

The actress doesn't hold back in the sultry shoot, pouting and posing in a series of flimsy outfits. In one shot she is seen lying on her stomach in black-and-white striped underwear and a white top as she sips on a Starbucks iced coffee while staring into the camera. In another picture she is shown sitting on a wooden dressing table wearing a very low-cut dark purple negligee as she laughs while looking to the side. A tad revealing: The 27-year-old looked like she was about to pop out of the very low-cut negligee in one shot Kaley's character Penny on the CBS show lives across the hall from a group of geeky Cal Tech scientists. Penny, who works as a waitress at The Cheesecake Factory, plays their object of desire, and dates one of the scientists - Leonard - off and on throughout the series. She recently admitted to theHuffington Postthat acting makes her question 'everything.' 'How could it not?' she said. 'I wonder, "Why did I do that line that way?' And I also constantly think I'm fat and hate my teeth. 'But I've gotten better over the years. I've started to accept...It's going to be fine.'

Lady in red: The actress wore a skintight frock on the cover of the magazine, which showcased her womanly curves to perfection

Girl of their dreams: Kaley plays Penny in The Big Bang Theory, the blonde bombshell who lives across the hall from a bunch of geeky scientists

Fashion showdown! Big Bang Theory's Mayim Bialik dazzles in blue while Kaley Cuoco covers up in shapeless white

She plays the geeky foil to Kaley Cuoco's sexy character Penny in The Big Bang Theory. But the roles were reversed as Mayim Bialik showed herself to be the stylish one on Wednesday night. The 37-year-old actress was fresh-faced and sophisticated in a floaty aquamarine dress while 27-year-old Kaley was all but enveloped by her dowdy white dress at The Big Bang Theory TV Series presentation at the Paley Center in Los Angeles. Scroll down for Video

Brunette versus blonde: Mayim Bialik looked elegant in an aquamarine dress while her The Big Bang Theory costar was a fashion miss in a shapelss white dress at the PaleyFest at the Paley Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday night

The Big Bang Theory stars were a lesson in opposites as they posed on the red carpet at the annual Paley Television Festival, a series of panels featuring the cast and crew of some of television's biggest shows. Mayim showed off her slender figure in the knee-length blue frock, nipping in her waist with a dainty white belt. The mother-of-two covered up with a tailored cream blazer and added an edgy touch with snakeskin heels. She wore her brown hair in an elegant high bun and kept her makeup simple, highlighting her brown eyes with a smudge of smokey eyeshadow and her lips with a glossy peach hue. Kaley, meanwhile, hid her slim physique in the white dress with black trimming, which hung off her frame like a potato sack. The blonde actress stood somewhat awkwardly as she posed on the red carpet, perhaps unsure of how best to show off her body in the shapeless shift.

Elegant: The 37-year-old looked sophisticated in the blue dress, which she paired with a tailored cream blazer and dainty white belt

Kaley at least got it right with her stylish accessories - pointy black heels and a leopard-print clutch. The California native wore her platinum blonde hair in loose waves over her shoulders, and opted for a smokey eye and nude lips. The actresses were joined by their The Big Bang Theory costars, including Johnny Galecki, Kunal Nayyar, and Jim Parsons, who was dapper in a slick suit.

Black as night: NCIS actress Pauley Perrette opted for an all-black ensemble of a short dress, tights and flat boots

Lady in leather: The Big Bang Theory star Melissa Rauch poured her curves into skintight leather trousers for the event

Also at the event was NCIS actress Pauley Perrette, who was sultry in an all-black ensemble that consisted of a short dress, tights and flat leather boots. The 43-year-old wore her signature raven mane in a ponytail, her long blunt fringe framing her pretty face. The bakery shop owner displayed her forearm tattoos and added a pop of colour to the somber outfit with a slick of deep red lipstick.

Cool dude: The Big Bang Theory star Johnny Galecki also wore leather in the form of a biker jacket, which he paired with a waistcoat and smart grey trousers

Laid-back style: The Big Bang Theory's Kunal Nayyar was dressy casual in a blue shirt, dark blue trousers and suede boots

Book worm: Simon Helberg went with an academic look of a tweed blazer and tie Dapper: Jim Parsons went against the grain and donned a sleek suit for the event

Collie who never wobbles: Look, no paws! Amazing balancing act of the dog on a tightrope

He's just one of the new entries in the latest Guinness Book Of Records He never uses a safety net, and of course, he’s unable to carry a pole. But today, ladies and gentlemen: step right up for Osbert Humperdinck Pumpernickle, the collie who never wobbles. The four-year-old cross - Ozzy for short - has rightly claimed his place as Britain’s most accomplished canine tightrope walker. Scroll down for video

The collie who never wobbles: Four-year-old Osbert Humperdinck Pumpernickle - known as Ozzy for short - holds the Guinness world record for the fastest crossing of a tightrope ever achieved by a dog

New trick: Ozzy crossed a 3.5m (11.4ft) rope in 18.22 seconds to secure his place in the record books

See how he balances on hind legs on a highwire stretched between two trees! Marvel at his skill in traversing a rope with no visible means of support! And now - applaud as he picks up his coveted Guinness World Record award for performing the fastest crossing of a tightrope ever to be achieved by a dog (a category, it should be said, in which there was surprisingly little competition). For the record, he crossed a 3.5m (11.4ft) rope in 18.22 seconds. The rare feat is just one of Ozzy’s many remarkable acrobatic acts, which also include swinging on a chain, freerunning along a narrow ledge, or balancing on his owner Nick Johnson’s shoulders as he cycles into town. For the avoidance of doubt, by the way, it’s Nick who does the cycling, not Ozzy - although it is surely only a matter of time before this particular dog masters two-wheel travel. Ozzy, a chocolate and white border collie and kelpie cross, was born on a farm in Anglesey, North Wales, before moving to Nick’s home in Norwich. He showed an early aptitude for balance and seemed keen to improve on that tired old repertoire of standard doggy tricks, such as shake-a-paw and fetch-a-stick.

Aptitude for balance: The rare feat is just one of Ozzy’s many acrobatic acts, which include swinging on a chain, freerunning along a narrow ledge, or balancing on his owner’s shoulders as they cycle into town

Nick, a 51-year-old carpenter, bought a book called Puppies For Dummies before enrolling Ozzy on a six-week training course and taking some tips from celebrated ‘dog whisperer’ Zak George. His acrobatic antics were captured in a YouTube video that led to international acclaim and TV stardom. Yesterday Nick declared himself ‘so happy and proud’ at Ozzy’s place in world record history, adding: ‘Ozzy’s parents are working sheepdogs on a farm, so it’s in his blood to want to work closely with me. He’s most happy when he’s working on the tricks that we do - he regards it as a game. 'We only practice when Ozzy is in the mood, after he’s done all his important dog stuff like sniffing around and meeting other dogs.’