SCHOOLS in the Cotswolds have been praised for dishing up a new initiative to young children in the district.

Since September this year all 5-7 year olds have been eligible for a free meal at lunchtime for the first time.

One of these schools is North Cerney C of E Primary School and staff and parents are impressed at how smoothly the schools have responded to the change.

As part of National School Meals Week, Cllr Paul Hodgkinson from Gloucestershire County Council and Cotswold District Council has thanked schools in the area for making the scheme a success.

"All the evidence shows that a hot, healthy meal at lunch time greatly improves the health, behaviour and results of schoolchildren, providing them with their best start in life," he said. "I was impressed with the quality of the food at North Cerney Primary. I served the children sauteed potatoes and ratatouille. There was also a chicken meal, a beef meal and a Quorn vegetarian meal.

"This in itself was a huge revelation for me. As a child in the sixties there was only one choice."

Governor at North Cerney School Jenny Forde said that she was impressed with how competently the schools have responded.

She said: "It’s great it is to see so many families taking up the free school meal and lovely to see the children all sitting down to eat the same meal much like a family."

The lunches at North Cerney School are provided by Rendcomb College.