SPAGHETTI Bolognese, fish fingers, mash and peas or feta and red onion parcels - not the menu at a trendy restaurant but an example of first course choices for pupils at two Ribble Valley primary schools.

The Cobbled Corner at Chipping took over the catering for the village's two primary schools before Jamie Oliver's TV series brilliantly succeeded in raising public awareness about a real issue.

By highlighting how we allow an average of just 37p per head to feed pupils - about half what is spent across the channel in France - Jamie shamed our election-conscious politicians into promising action to improve the food provided to youngsters throughout England.

And so they should.

At a time when parents everywhere are concerned about child obesity and the fact we appear to be raising an extremely unfit generation, Jamie's timing was perfect.

Now we must grasp the opportunity to make real changes, not vague promises, to ensure children get a decent, healthy meal in the day.

The Cobbled Corner's meals match the average to the 50p suggested on the Channel 4 series.

They are proving it can be done without breaking the bank.

Politicians of all parties cannot be allowed to duck the challenge before them.

The future well-being of a generation is at stake.