A NEW summer menu has been launched by the catering service that cooks meals in most Hampshire schools.

Sweet potato and lentil curry, organic beef burgers, Italian tomato pasta and roast dinners are just some of the options available from Hampshire County Council's Catering Service (HC3S).

A picnic alternative is also being introduced as an alternative to hot meals with a variety of different sandwich fillings.

Across Hampshire around 90 per cent of schools are now working towards The Enhanced Healthy School' status, which requires schools to demonstrate how they are encouraging pupils to lead a healthy life.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, said: "It is important that every pupil gets a balanced meal at school because a healthy diet is linked to improved well-being, better behaviour and an increased ability to learn."