PARENTS at Brook Acre Primary in Padgate went back to school last week to sample the new menu.

They joined their children at lunchtime to try the new healthy school meals that are now available.

The two-day taster was part of the borough council's school catering services initiative, which offers children free school meals for a week to try to encourage them to opt for school meals on a permanent basis.

Karen Morris, head teacher, said: "We wanted parents to see for themselves the type of healthy food that is on offer and I hope that they will opt for school meals for their children."

Clr Colin Froggatt, executive board member for children's services, said: "We work very hard to ensure that children have the best nutritional food as possible. Education does not stop with what goes on in the classroom - it's also about providing children with other skills to give them the best start in life."