Turkey with all the trimmings for Shoreham children

Hundreds of youngsters enjoyed the festive atmosphere at Eastbrook Primary School with crackers and Christmas carols.

Deputy headmistress Julie Scott said: "We had to have an extended lunch hour to fit them all in because it was so popular.

"I can't remember the last time we had a hot Christmas dinner.

"The kitchen was taken away a long time ago.

"A lot of the teachers had the Christmas dinner with the children and they all had their party hats on."

St Nicolas and St Mary's

Pupils at St Nicolas and St Mary's Primary have also enjoyed a festive feast.

Head teacher David Etherton said: "It's been five or six years since we have had hot school meals.

"This will be the first hot school Christmas dinner for all of them."

Mr Etherton said it was important for schools to offer healthy, nourishing meals for youngsters during the school day '“ and that the new dinners were proving a hit with pupils.

He added any fears parents had about their children not wanting some of the food on offer turned out to be unfounded.

Healthy

"All the children really enjoy the food, and it means all the healthy options are taken and eaten," said Mr Etherton.

"The food is actually very tasty.

"Sometimes, parents say 'my child won't eat that because it's got vegetables in', but, actually, once they are here with their friends and all eating together, it results in a lot of clean plates."

Hot dinners returned to both schools at the start of this term.

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