The Local Government Association (LGA) has issued a recommendation to its members in England and Wales to put beef back on all school menus.

At the height of the concerns about British beef, 111 education authorities in the UK banned it from school dinners. Since then, only 44 have lifted the embargo.

The LGA is calling for councils to reinstate the maligned meat and to use local farmers for beef and other food supplies.

The recommendation comes in support of a campaign by the National Farmers' Union to revitalise the depressed farming industry.

Councils are big purchasers of food - for schools, meals on wheels and their own canteens.

The LGA points out that agriculture and food processing industries are large employers, particularly in rural areas. And by encouraging local food sources, authorities can also contribute to sustainable transport policies.

Cllr Alison Clish-Green, who chairs the LGA's Rural Commission, said: "British farming has been at the heart of rural communities for centuries and the provider of quality and nutritious foods for the whole of the country.

"As this is a very difficult time for our farmers and the whole of British agriculture we must all pull together to help this troubled but vital industry. This is why I am calling on all 450 councils to look at ways of using more British produce and show they are proud to serve British."