Children at a school were today being be asked to design their own healthy midday meal.

The Midday Munching Project is the brainchild of Swindon Borough Council, which has joined forces with food company New Zealand Milk (UK) Ltd, which has its European headquarters at Blagrove.

At Goddard Park Primary School in Park North, children were being given lessons in the importance of everything from fresh fruit to wholemeal bread.

Leading the way will be New Zealand Milk consumer scientist Kate Moseley and Katrina Carpenter, the council's Lifestyle at School Advisory Teacher.

Ms Moseley said: "This is a successful public and private partnership project, well planned and executed.

"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."

The scientist, whose company is funding the project, added that the children would be encouraged to decide on what their midday meal will include.

Afterwards, they will be presented with a lunchbox each, and the school will receive a certificate and donation to be put toward future work on nutrition.

The scheme has the strong support of Coun Chris Eley (Lab, Walcot), the authority's Lead Member for Lifelong Learning.

He said: "We are very much involved with schools in working on a variety of healthy school issues and initiatives.

"Healthy eating and living is really a way of life, and is best developed while young and continued throughout life.

"This very admirable exercise will help children exercise choice in their eating habits."

Coun John Taylor (Lab, Central), Lead Member for Healthy Living, added: "Encouraging young people to eat sensible and well is an important part of healthy living. We welcome the initiative, and the chance to work in partnership with New Zealand Milk on this project."

n Other schools taking part in the project include Seven Fields Primary, Moredon Junior, Peatmoor, Southfields, Westrop Primary, Toothill Primary, Lethbridge Primary, Robert Le Kyng, Covingham Junior, Nythe Primary.