MORE County Durham pupils are staying for school dinners following the launch of a new-look meals service

The county council and meals provider Chartwells are investing £1.5m to modernise the service in 78 primary and 25 secondary schools.

The scheme, the country's first, is seeing food preparation areas in primary schools that previously had meals transported in, and dining halls made more colourful.

Many secondary school dining areas have been revamped to offer kiosk concepts such as Burger Dome, Planet Pizza and Full Metal Jacket - which offers jacket potatoes.

Since the launch of the scheme, the company says the number of pupils staying for lunch has risen by 20 per cent and 193 new jobs have been created.

At St Godric's RC Primary School, in Newton Hall, Durham, the number of young diners has risen by 62 per cent this year.

County education director Keith Mitchell said: "This is a good example of local government working in tandem with the private sector to see the best outcome for pupils and secure best value in service provision.

"We are particularly pleased with the outcome of the changes to primary school catering, which have resulted in choice of popular hot meals for pupils.''

Chartwells director Gerry Woods said: "Durham is leading the way in revolutionising the way that school meals and other services are being provided in their schools.

"Today's pupils are a sophisticated bunch who appreciate atmosphere as well as the quality and choice of food on offer.''