Pebsham School's breakfast

Head teacher Pat Strickson explained this is the third year the school has extended the school day to accommodate the special breakfast.

Timed to coincide with Valentine's Day, Pat said the school was actively promoting the 'healthy heart' message with a selection of cereals, juices and toast on offer.

However, this year, to encourage more dads, they added another couple of scrummy items to the menu. Pat explained: "Dads wanted bacon and sausages, so we found some healthy low-fat alternatives and included special butties."

These went down a storm with dads and pupils alike, and the breakfast event certainly seemed to be giving the pupils a kick start to their day, as the school hall buzzed with lively chatter.

School council representatives, Jade Watts, aged 10, and 11-year-old Amy Pickman both thought the breakfast a good idea.

Amy said: "Some children don't have breakfast so this is a good idea for them - and I enjoy it!"

Jade, who explained their school council duties are to primarily to 'help improve the school and come up with ideas' along with 'speaking on behalf of the pupils', said she thought the breakfast was 'a really good idea', adding, "Pupils can sit together at the tables and have breakfast with their families."

The school's parent information contact, Lisa Payne, was delighted that so many parents had turned up to support the event.

She said: "I'm really pleased with the amount of parents who have come today. I think this is a good way to encourage healthy eating and exercise."

The British Heart Foundation's message to parents to help keep children healthy is to encourage them to keep active and to participate in physical activity for 60 minutes a day, along with eating a healthy balanced diet that includes five portions of fruit and vegetables.

For more details on the British Heart Foundation Healthy Eating Month visit the website at: