THE “extraordinary” success of County Durham’s free school meal revolution proves it must be expanded nationwide, the Government will be told today.

Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods will urge Chancellor Alistair Darling to make the scheme – offering every primary pupil a free hot lunch – a top priority in next year’s Budget.

The Labour backbencher will tell ministers that some schools are reporting 100 per cent take-up, compared with less than two-thirds of pupils enjoying a hot meal last year.

And she will say that teachers are already reporting that pupils are concentrating better – raising hopes that they will perform better in class.

The debate comes only seven weeks after the launch of the two-year trial in Durham County Council’s 244 primary schools, at a cost of £16m.

Previously, only about 5,700 of the county’s 35,000 under- 11s ate free meals, but the pilot was expected to push that figure up beyond 31,000.

All eyes are on the trial, as Labour decides whether to make free school meals for all primary pupils a flagship manifesto pledge at next year’s General Election – at a cost of £1bn.

Today, Ms Blackman-Woods will heap praise on Councillor Claire Vasey, Durham’s cabinet member for children, and David Williams, the council’s head of children’s services.

And she will tell ministers: “Take up of the free meals in schools has been extraordinary.

“Some schools, such as Witton Gilbert Primary in my constituency, have reported that 100 per cent of pupils are taking a school meal. Others report upwards of 90 per cent – whereas many before were bringing their own packed lunch.

“The benefits of the scheme are numerous. Kids are learning social skills, they are getting nutritious meals, their concentration and therefore attainment should improve.

“In addition, employment is boosted, local businesses are supported through local purchasing which also helps the environment.”

The Conservatives have described the £1bn cost of free meals for all as “completely unrealistic” – claiming it was the equivalent of 33,000 fulltime teachers.

And TV chef Jamie Oliver, during his campaign to improve school dinners, suggested six out of ten school kitchens would be condemned if they were run by anyone other than the local council.

But, last night, Ms Blackman- Woods said: “I will also be asking the minister to join with me in pressing the Chancellor to put funding in his budget to extend and expand the pilot, so that more and more children can benefit.”

Newham Council, in London, and Wolverhampton are also carrying out trials that will be tested against a control group, where the current, strict eligibility rules apply.

As well as testing for improvements in concentration and learning, the evaluation will also examine whether the trials cut obesity and improve eating habits at home.