72092-39TWO mums who set up their own catering firm to provide organic lunches in their children's school are planning to write a book about their experiences.

Pam Shipperbottom and Laura Illsley had no idea their company, Let's Do Lunch, would be such a huge success when they set it up at Lethbridge Primary School in Old Town.

They started by cooking for just 80 children at the school but within six weeks 266 children had signed up.

And following the success of Jamie Oliver's Jamie's Dinners campaign to improve school lunches, three Swindon schools now want Let's Do Lunch to cook for their pupils.

And the firm is in talks with a publishing company about a book.

Pam, 38, said: "The success of the company has been overwhelming.

"We started last September because the kitchen at Lethbridge was going to be closed down and we believe that a hot meal is an essential part of the children's day.

"We had no idea it would get this far.

"We have spoken to a publishing agent about a book on the story of Let's Do Lunch with recipes but it is in the very early stages."

The firm uses locally sourced produce in its food and tries to use as many organic ingredients as possible.

And Pam says its success is proof that children do enjoy eating healthy food.

"It's not the case at all that children don't like healthy food. The children really enjoy vegetables that are cooked properly we use organic vegetables and do very little to them except steam them.

"They particularly like the carrots and the braised red cabbage that the head chef Anne Spooner makes.

"Lasagne and our meatballs are also particular favourites and on Fridays we have junk food but food that is made from scratch.

"So we will have hotdogs that are made from organic pork."

As a result of the company's expansion plans it needs to recruit another eight members of staff.

Pam said: "We have interest from several Swindon schools but three have said they would like to go ahead. There has to be a tendering process first however.

"We need to recruit more staff to maintain the stability and the viability of the company.

"The lady that runs the kitchen at Lethbridge, Anne Spooner, is incredibly passionate about food and that the type of people we want to run the kitchens.

"We need people who really enjoy cooking and who can follow recipes in a busy environment."

Anyone who would like to join Let's Do Lunch should contact 01793 431616 or email letsdo lunch@appliedacumen.co.uk

Diana Milne