WHEN a leading East Lancashire nutritionist told the Evening Telegraph that poor primary school dinners were creating a health crisis, the shockwaves were felt across the county. But bosses at Tockholes CE Primary School were so convinced that their dinners were healthy they challenged us to sample one for ourselves. Reporter RICHARD HOOTON visited the primary school to taste a typical dinner and find out what improvements the school has carried out to their menu. . .

EARLIER this month Jenny Slaughter, the dietician in charge of improving local primary school children's eating habits, said that if nothing was done to take cheap, stodgy meals out of their diets they could die before their parents.

Staff at Tockholes CE Primary School recognised the need to improve last November.

Prompted by the comments of a few parents and a desire to give their pupils the best start in life, staff carried out a survey on their school dinners.

The consultation led to a 'healthy school menu' being implemented in January.

While the school had never served junk food, out went the deep fat fryer and processed food and in came more fruit, vegetables and pasta.

Headteacher Barbara Cocken said: "It was just staff looking at it and thinking it's not the healthiest we could be giving the children.

"Apart from having a healthy meal every day they are also offered raw carrots, cucumber, tomatoes and fresh fruit.

"The children love it. We probably have more now staying for school dinners than before."

The Local Education Authority was supportive of the move and parents and children have been equally delighted.

"The children do have a choice but they don't have a choice between say pizza and pasta. There is a healthy option each day and if they don't like it then they are provided with a jacket potato or another healthy option," said Mrs Cocken.

For afters children have fruit, yoghurts and cheese and biscuits, while once a week a pupil who has been particularly well-behaved gets to choose a special pudding for that day.

Cook Viki Houghton has worked at the school for 14 years. She said she was happy with the equipment and provision from the LEA, adding: "You only have to ask and they back you 100 per cent."

Meanwhile, unhealthy snacks such as crisps and sweets are banned with the children offered fruit instead.

And the school is now looking to encourage parents to provide more healthier lunch boxes as well.

But what do the children who eat school meals every day think?

Mattheieu Woodburn, eight, said: "I love them. It's really nice, especially the chicken korma."

Meanwhile Caitlin Hoole, nine, said pasta was her favourite.