KIDS are being encouraged to swap fizzy drinks for milk in a drive to improve nutrition.

Parents, teachers and children have the opportunity to nominate their school to be one of 1,000 to get free milk as part of the National School Milk Day on October 11.

The day is being organised by the UK dairy industry with animal feed company ABN.

Shuna McDonald from dairy company Arla Foods said: "Over-consumption of soft drinks is linked to poor dental health and obesity in children. Milk on the other hand, puts real fizz into their lives, providing calcium and other essential nutrients."

To make nominations send the name, address and postcode of the nominated primary school to National School Milk Day, ABN House, PO Box 250, Peterborough PE2 9QF.

Nominated schools also get the chance of winning sports equipment vouchers and fridges.

Calcium is the single most important nutrient for building strong bones.

Osteoporosis is caused by lack of calcium in teenage years.

A person would need to eat nine carrots or more than a kilo of garlic to get the same amount of calcium as a 200ml glass of milk.

More than 50 per cent of UK children aged between 5 and 11 have tooth decay.