IF, after just one week at school, your youngsters are already fed up with their packed lunches, do not despair.

Kingsmill Whole White bread is working with children's food author Annabel Karmel to produce tips and recipes for better lunchbox fare.

Annabel said: "A healthy lunchbox should include a sandwich with some form of protein, for example, chicken, cheese, tuna or peanut butter, some salad or raw vegetable sticks, some fruit, a muesli bar or muffin, maybe some yoghurt and a drink.

"When your child takes lunch to school he or she carries a little piece of home with them.

Simple touches can make all the difference; for younger kids try drawing a face on their banana and decorating it with stickers, or cut sandwiches into shape with a cookie cutter."

Annabel's tips include:

Giving satsumas already peeled and covered with plastic wrap, as most children will leave food that takes a lot of effort to eat;

Making sure food is fun by including cheese strings or squeeze and eat sachets of fromage frais.