The move has delighted Minister of State for Schools Jim Knight MP, who said he was thrilled that more young people would now have access to a wealth of fresh learning opportunities.

From March, £3 out of every annual subscription payment from YHA’s 230,000 members will go direct to the charity’s Breaks 4 Kids scheme.

This fund, which predominantly funds school trips, provides grants for children from low-income households for up to 50 per cent of the costs of their YHA accommodation and food.

YHA Director of Sales and Marketing Alan Hopley said: “Breaks 4 Kids is a very popular scheme, which despite never having been promoted, is always over-subscribed.

“As a charity with a core objective to help disadvantaged young people broaden their experiences through travel, it doesn’t sit comfortably with us when we have to turn applications away.

“From experience, we know residential trips increase independence among young people and greatly promote their personal development.

“So with extra funding we can meet current demand for grants and promote the scheme to many additional schools in low income areas, and to the young people that stand to gain the most.”

The Minister welcomed YHA’s decision and said: “Enjoying a wide range of learning experiences outside the classroom is hugely beneficial for young people’s wellbeing and achievement, so I am delighted that YHA and its supporters are helping to increase access to residential visits for more young people through the Breaks 4 Kids scheme.

“It makes a fantastic contribution to the aims of the Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto by providing opportunities to discover new places and learn new skills.”

Alan added that the recent launch of the Government Manifesto had played a part in convincing the charity to take the decision.

“For a long time we have been confident in championing the many benefits of residential trips for young people, “ he added.

“More than 90 per cent of the grants we give go to schools to directly support their National Curriculum studies with work away from school.

“So when the Manifesto was launched recently and backed this view, we were convinced that the timing was right to put more money behind this terrific scheme.”

In the past financial year, £100,000 has been provided in Breaks 4 Kids grants thanks largely to YHA members and private sponsorship deals with Flogas and Vanquis Bank.

But with £3 contributions from each of YHA’s 230,000 members and a search for additional sponsors, it is hoped the scheme’s ‘pot’ could top £1million in 2007/08.