SCHOOLCHILDREN from across Dorset have been tasting some new and improved school meals thanks to a local caterer.

As part of this year’s National School Meals Week, the team from Local Food Links visited Washingpool Farm near Bridport on its 'taste for yourself tour'.

Pupils from local schools and guests, including Mayor of Bridport Barry Irvine, were given the chance to stop by and taste the company's modern school lunches.

Among the schools that visited were The Prince of Wales School in Dorchester, Salway Ash Primary School and Broadwindsor Primary School.

They got to sample a fantastic menu including chicken quesadillas, sausage and bean casserole and a classic berry crumble.

Washingpool Farm is one of a number of local suppliers used by Local Food Links in their school meals and Caroline Morgan, the company's chief executive, said: "It was so nice that Washingpool Farm hosted and showed the link between our providers and the food we serve.

“It is not an easy job to provide a delicious two course meal delivered to a school for less than £2.40 but whenever I visit one of our schools and talk to pupils, I feel proud of our organisation and the food we provide. Enjoying a nutritious two course meal at lunchtime supports academic attainment, helps children to concentrate better and has a positive impact on behaviour in the classroom.

"We want every pupil to have that opportunity and in many cases it will be the only hot meal that some children have all day. It is a privilege to work within the school meals industry and to work as part of the Local Food Links team.

"I should also mention that for “research” purposes, I am required to eat a lot of good food which is an excellent perk of the job.”

Local Food Links now supplies more than 4,000 nutritious and tasty meals every school day to 56 schools.