MUSHY peas and stodgy pies have been banished to the history books at a Kent school. Pupils at Chatham's Glencoe Junior school have ditched the hot meals and now have a new and exciting range of packed lunches to choose from.

The change was introduced in September and the first term went down a treat with both parents and pupils. The decision to offer a different range of lunches was made after governors ruled the food provided by Chartwells, the school catering company was not up to scratch.

Chairman of governors Charles Gulliford said: "The contract with them finished in August so we had a chance to rethink the lunches we offer the children. We decided packed lunches was the best option and spent a considerable amount of money on advice from nutritionists and consultants to make sure the lunches provided the necessary dietary needs. They have been very successful, with around half the pupils opting to take a lunch at school."

The children are offered a roll or sandwich with a different filling each day of chicken, turkey, ham, egg mayonnaise, tuna, marmite and even jam. A fresh piece of fruit, low calorie drink, choice of yoghurt, mousse, ice-cream, cake or cheese and biscuits and a packet of crisps complete the meal, which costs £1.30 per day.