LUMPY mash and soggy veg are a thing of the past according to councillors who sampled school dinners this week.

A taste test with a difference saw Dorset county councillors tucking into school lunches and it was a far cry from the stodgy meals of days gone by.

The move was sparked by councillors' concern that a decline in take-up of free school meals could be linked to the quality of food on offer.

But they were pleasantly surprised.

Cllr Donald Mildenhall, chairman of the Education Overview and Policy Development Committee, said: "It was nicely put together and clearly marked - a lot of care had been put into its preparation.

"I would have thought it would save mums a lot of trouble if children made the most of these lunches - they were a good little offering.

"They would keep a child well sustained throughout the day."

He added: "It is so long ago since I had a school dinner that I can't remember what they were like.

"I think I lived near enough to go home for lunch every day - at that time we had a two-hour lunch break."

The meal, which councillors sampled at their meeting on Monday, consisted of sandwiches or a sausage roll, a yoghurt or jelly, crisps, a biscuit, fruit and a fruit drink or milk.

Members were told that in all but five of the county's primary schools free cold school meals are provided and particular attention is paid to the sugar, fat and salt content of the food.

Secondary and some middle schools have a cash cafeteria and the Procurement and Contracts Management team influences the choice of food and ingredients.

The current cold food contract to Pace Services expires in August 2006 but early research shows the majority of primary schools hope it'll be renewed.

First published: January 31