BERNICE Reedy served up Blackburn with Darwen's 10millionth school meal yesterday and insisted: "My semolina is as popular as ever!"

The 59-year-old dinner lady has been serving grub to hungry youngsters at Daisyfield Primary School, Clinton Street, Blackburn, for the last 28 years -- and hangs up her apron and ladle for the last time at the end of the week.

But before she retires, she was given the honour of serving up the 10millionth school meal dished out since Blackburn with Darwen Council took control of the department when it gained unitary status in 1998.

Bernice, who lives in The Croft, Blackburn, and plans to move to Oswaldtwistle later in the year, says things have changed a lot over the years.

The service was formerly provided by Lancashire County Council, which had contracted it out to Rentokil before Blackburn with Darwen became a unitary.

Bernice said: "Back when I started it was meat and two veg every day, and you didn't get a choice. It's all about healthy eating now and the youngsters really enjoy it.

"There has never been a day when I haven't enjoyed the job."

After Blackburn with Darwen took over the service, schools were asked to pick menus which best suited youngsters.

Bernice added: "But we still serve semolina here. The way I make it is without lumps and they love it.

"While the semolina has always been popular, some things have changed. We first served pizza in 1978 and the children didn't like it at all. They can't get enough of it now!

"And I'm always recognised by people who went to the school 10 or 15 years ago and remember me."