PUPILS at Whitchurch Primary School had guests to lunch as part of the HC3S launch promoting a new scheme which rewards schools for healthy eating.

HC3S, Hampshire County Council's school meal provider, has introduced the scheme as part of their plan to promote healthy eating to children and shake off the stereotypes that surround school meals and help children learn about food, nutrition and meal-time disciplines.

The scheme is the first of its kind in the country and awards points for any extra school meals eaten.

A three-week menu of nutritionally balanced meals is provided for children and staff which is refreshed every term.

The points can be exchanged for trips to country parks, museums and other educational visits and workshops, or they can be used to obtain new sports equipment, library books and other educational resources.

Pupils sat down to lunch with members of the HC3S scheme and partner Bridget Rowe, the area schools librarian, who will lease the school 20 extra books for just 250 rewards.

Other guests included Whitchurch mayor and mayoress Cllr Barry and Sandra Jackman, chairman of governors Dave Titcomb and vice chairman Roland Parker.

The school has already received 100 points for hosting the lunch launch.

Council leader Cllr Ken Thornber said: "School meals now are far from what I remember.

"Today children have a wide variety of nutritionally balanced meals to choose from.

"The reward scheme is an innovative way to encourage healthy eating offering all schools and children taking part the opportunity to use the points they gain towards fun educational trips and equipment."