Pupils of a Swindon school are budding nutritionists after designing their own healthy lunchtime menus.

The 26 children in the Goddard Park Primary School Year Five class of Sue Chivers took part in the Midday Munching Project.

Swindon Council joined forces with food company New Zealand Milk (UK) Ltd, which has its European headquarters in Blagrove, to make the scheme possible.

The children, aged nine and ten, learned about the importance of everything from fruit to wholemeal bread.

They were aided by New Zealand Milk consumer scientist Kate Moseley and Katrina Carpenter, the council's Lifestyle at School Advisory Teacher.

Sue Chivers said that yesterday's lesson was a roaring success.

She added: "The children tried a variety of different foods, even if they didn't think they were going to like them.

"They then graded the food, and they'll be doing some follow-up work about healthy eating in their lunchboxes.

"It was a very good day because they got to try things like prunes, which they had never even imagined trying.

"It made them aware of a lot of foods which, hopefully, they will ask their parents to put in their packed lunches.

"Also, they will hopefully not be afraid to try different foods in future.

"Our school cook, Karen Anderson, came to look around as well. She is very keen to make her food as healthy as possible for the children."

Kate Moseley said before arriving at the school: "The very best aspects are the links that are being made between a healthy and balanced diet and the enjoyment and enthusiasm of the children, who are trying so many different foods."