A PROJECT to update school dinner times has proved so successful it is to be rolled out to other secondary schools.

The Smartcard was introduced into the new Rye Hills School at Redcar at the beginning of September.

The scheme allows pupils to "charge" their cards before lunchtime, while pupils who get free school dinners have theirs loaded automatically, removing the stigma attached to free school dinners.

The system means that dinner queues go down quicker and loyalty is increased. Uptake of school dinners has increased from 22 per cent to 61 per cent.

The details of the dinners chosen by the pupils can be recorded and the school is looking to introduce schemes that reward healthy eating.

Officers from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council are so pleased with the success of the scheme that they want to see the Smartcard introduced in other secondary schools across the borough.

The authority has £50,000 to spend on the project, thanks to Government cash specifically designed at introducing electronic projects.