SCHOOL dinners for many Medway youngsters will soon be more mouth-watering thanks to a change on the menu. School lunchtimes have long carried a tradition of stodgy semolina and custard.

And although that tradition may be a far cry from the truth, those in charge have decided it's time for change and primary schools throughout the area will have three different types of menu to choose from.

Children will be able to opt for one of two main courses, one for meat-eaters, the other for vegetable lovers, followed by a hot or cold sweet and fresh fruit.

Those who don't want a hot meal but don't have time to make sandwiches at home, can buy a packed lunch full of healthy goodies.

The selection is being offered under the Nurture our World Cafe brand, designed to encourage children to eat properly and inform them about healthy food options.

Menus in secondary schools, however, will stay the same. Older pupils enjoy "the hub" brand, which offers high street, food court-style meals.

Medway Council is using the announcement of the change in menu to remind parents that if they are on income support or income-based jobseeker's allowance and have a child of school-going age, they could qualify for free school meals.

Latest figures show that one in five children entitled to a free school meal does not take it.

All parents or guardians need to do is fill in a short form, available from the Civic Centre, Strood. The form will also be available in libraries, leisure centres and from the Benefits Agency shortly.

Anyone wanting more information should phone Brenda Morgan on 01634 331132 or e-mail brenda.morgan@medway.gov.uk or find details on the council's website www.medway.gov.uk