A CATERER is promising big improvements after winning the £30m contract to feed County Durham pupils for the next five years.

Durham County Council has re-hired Newton Aycliffe-based Chartwells to serve the county's 279 primary and secondary schools.

The company has been serving school meals since 1994. The deal, which can be extended by two years, was drawn up under Best Value guidelines. Improvements totalling £800,000 will be funded by the county council and the company.

Seventy eight primary schools, which get hot meals delivered from outside kitchens, will be given facilities to heat chilled meals. Some schools will also take part in a healthy eating and lifestyle programme.

Dining areas at 25 of the county's 36 secondary schools will be revolutionised with the introduction of The Hub, a concept pioneered at The Hermitage School, Chester-le-Street.

A company spokesman said: "Special kiosks in the dining areas will have staff in distinctive uniforms and special signage, packaging and branding.

"The result at the Hermitage is that students now find it cool to stop in school for lunch. There are also major benefits from a smart card system, which means that students don't have to carry cash and free school meals can be provided on a completely confidential basis."

David Blackburn, the council's head of business management, said: "This partnership will be of major benefit to all of our pupils and students over the next few years."