More than 130 parents at a primary school queued since 3am to make sure their children got a space at a breakfast club next year.
Yes, really.
Every year, Ysgol Y Berllan Deg in Cardiff, Wales, opens up applications for its before-school breakfast club, which has limited spaces.
The breakfast club is a government scheme aimed at providing primary school children with the opportunity of receiving a free, healthy breakfast at school each day.
For many parents with a long commute it is vital as it allows them to drop their kids off early and get to work on time.
The school opened its applications for the next school year today and some parents were so worried about missing out the queued through the night outside the school gates.
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Front of the queue was Annett Farrow from Carmarthen, whose grandchild goes to the school.
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We have been on the road since 1am and got here at 3am, she said.
My son and daughter-in-law are on holiday so we had to come. If it gets them a place it will have been worth it. We have bought biscuits and crisps – the only problem is the toilets.
We have been using the toilets in the hotel opposite!
For some parents like Leanne Taylor, who has been in her chair since 3.30am, there is no back-up plan.
She said: I have two children, one of whom is starting in reception in September.
I had to do this last year when it did rained a bit. I had only moved into my house two days before and I didnt have internet. I planned to bring my laptop and do some work while I waited.
The police turned up and asked what I was doing!
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According to Leanne there is no other option for her if she wants to maintain her career.
She said: For some it is essential. I work opposite Tredegar House and I drive in. If I drop them off at 8.30 I wont be getting into work until 10 because of the traffic.
If I didnt have this I would not be able to go to work- I cant risk not getting a place, I dont have a plan B.
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It is a really good school and I dont think there is a fairer way to do it.
To do it you literally have to walk in and hand a form in. They then write what number you were in the queue on the form.
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The ones that are here first are the ones that need it most. It gets longer and earlier because the people who did not get a place last year will get here earlier this year.
Another parent, who did not want to be named, said that in previous years it had been slightly different.
It is a big talking point among parents, she said.
You get a text two weeks before and then a letter. It goes straight in the diary. I have been doing this for two years and this is the biggest queue I have seen.
I dont know how a single parent would be able to do it as they would have to bring their children with them.
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In previous years people have bought multiple forms for friends and that has been banned because it wasnt fair on the people who queued up. The atmosphere is much nicer this year.
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Some parents are now veterans of the process, like Julie Ayre, who works in Somerset.
My child will be in year six so this is the last year I have to do this, thank goodness!
Last year I was 125th and I didnt get a place but I went on the waiting list and got one. If I didnt get it I would have to pay for a childminder.
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