WE are writing to complain about the way our school's name was blackened in the Daily Echo on May 2.

When the inspectors visited us they were satisfied that the kitchen had a very high standard of hygiene, however your article suggests otherwise. The only two products found to have the incorrect best before date were mustard powder and basil. Neither are used in any recipes and have not been for a number of months. The reference to these as food could be misleading, for instance some may think that we are storing out of date meat which would, of course, be highly dangerous. A report by environmental health inspectors confirms that food safety was not compromised.

The article also stated that "all 43 schools are reported for poor and unhygienic conditions'' but we do not agree that our school fits into that category for the reasons above.

We encourage children to eat school dinners because they are often healthier than packed lunches. We are very health conscious and believe that we need more pupils to eat school dinners. A lot of time and effort has gone into promoting healthy eating. As a result of your article we are concerned that parents will no longer want their children to continue to eat school dinners.

We request that you make a public apology.

ST MONICA JUNIOR SCHOOL, (School Council members: Jacob Ainslie, Tiffany Eley, Helena Martin, Rebecca Hadzi, Lucie Bennett, Chevy Harris, Grace Williams, Billy Thomson, Daniel Stone, Luren Milam, Luke Churcher, Daniel Hawkins, Henry Gatrell, Jake Frier, Michelle Dawkins, Aidan Beach, Grace Lemarquard, Sam Leigh, Jamie Hibberd, Emily Rowe, Lauren Painter).

Editor Ian Murray replies: The Daily Echo's report into poor school kitchen conditions accurately listed all schools that had been identified by health officials by their findings - in the case of St Monica out of date foodstuff. However, we are happy to print further details from members of the junior school's council and congratulate the youngsters on their letter writing abilities!