Ten per cent more school children are ditching the traditional lunchbox in favour of hot meals, Essex County Council said today.

The old days of cold custard and soggy vegetables seem forgotten as figures reveal more children choosing school dinners than at the beginning of the year.

In a controversial shake-up the council ended its group contract for school meals in April, leaving schools to make their own arrangements.

Some schools decided to end hot meals and offer a cold lunch instead.

However 284 of the county's 359 schools still offer a hot meal and surprisingly take-up has risen by ten per cent. One Thundersley school has doubled its take-up.

However, Jerry Glazier, general secretary of Essex and Southend National Union of Teachers, questioned the figures.

He said: "The issue here is what are the children eating. I know schools are anxious to make children eat a balanced and nutritional dinner, but this costs more than the high fat, high salt diets which children rely on. It is important that what is on offer is as nutritional as possible."

Iris Pummell, cabinet member for schools, said the hot meals were nutritious.

She said: "Ending the central contract for school dinner provision was a difficult decision to take, but we said at the time that it was a necessary step and would not end the hot dinner in Essex.

Published Tuesday July 27, 2004

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