AS part of National School Meals week we visited Masefield County Primary School in Little Lever where the children were enjoying a themed lunch.

"Fun and Fitness" was on the menu for the pupils who tucked into either turkey or vegetable burger, potato waffles, salad and a home-made strawberry and cream cookie.

Chris Wood, operations manager of commercial services in Bolton, says: "The meals are always carefully balanced and nutritious. The children can choose from three options and every school caters for all dietary needs -- vegetarian, halal, gluten free.

"There is always fresh fruit, vegetables and salad on the daily menu. We believe this cafeteria-style arrangement encourages the social aspect of eating."

He explained that all schools in Bolton have a themed day, which the children obviously enjoy.

Laura Simpson, aged 5: "I enjoy my school dinner. My favourite is always when we have pizza -- I love that. I like my potato waffles today."

Grace Haithwaite, aged 6: "I like pizza but not mushy peas, they're horrible. I like this special dinner today because we've got a free toy."

Bradley Sharples, aged 5: "My favourite dinner is fish. I like this biscuit. I've not eaten it all, I'm saving some for later."

Counting the cost

In Bolton, the average price allowed for a free meal per child in secondary school is £1.48 worth of food. On average, a child paying for lunch would spend between £1 and £2.

In primary schools, the free allowance per child is £1.40 and that is also the price parents pay.

Wandsworth, in south London, is the most expensive place to buy a primary school meal at £1.65 a day, compared to 95p in Dumfries and Galloway -- which is also the cheapest for secondary schools.

Edinburgh and Bexley, in south London, were the most expensive for secondary schools, charging £1.85.