A MENU for primary schools has become the first in the region to win national seal of approval.

Durham County Council’s menu, which can be used by primary schools that provide their own meals service, has achieved the Food for Life Catering Mark Bronze Award.

The award ensures that 75 per cent of the menu is freshly prepared, contains no hydrogenated vegetable oils or undesirable additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and uses farm assured meat, free-range eggs and seasonal fruit and vegetables.

Amy Roberts, Durham County Council’s nutritionist, said: "Over 30 primary schools now have the option to use the menu which was piloted by Silver Tree Primary School, Ushaw Moor."

She added: "Our food suppliers - Brakes, Freeman Catering Butcher, JR Holland Foodservice and Sunnyhill Free-Range Eggs - have played an integral part in achieving the award."

Carol Walker, catering manager at Silver Tree Primary School, said: "Implementing the Food for Life menu was very simple and the pupils at Silver Tree are thoroughly enjoying their school dinners."

The council’s school meals contractor, Taylor Shaw, which provides meals to over 200 of the county’s primary schools, is also working towards the Bronze Award.