Canvey parents are logging on to make sure their children opt for healthy lunches and snacks.

The Cornelius Vermuyden School and Arts College, in Third Avenue, has started an e-mail service where parents can get in touch and find out what their children have picked to eat out of the various options available to them.

Nick Parker, catering manager at the school, said: "We have a swipe card system which children use to pay for their lunch so that they don't have to carry money around with them.

"Using that system we can get a print out of what the child has been eating for the past month to make it easier for their parents to find out."

With childhood obesity an ever growing problem parents and teachers are being forced to think up new ways to try and counter-balance youngsters' love of junk food.

The scheme means parents can be more involved in their children's diets when they are not with them and contact the school should they see that their child is constantly going for the unhealthier option.

Mr Parker said: "We are very conscious of healthy eating and have made vast changes in the past three years.

"There are lots of options for the pupils such as a salad bar, jacket potatoes, and we have healthy promotions on fruit.

"With this scheme it is possible for parents to get in touch and if they are concerned then we can stop the pupils from buying certain things."