Free school meals for all pupils would make a significant difference to the health of Scotland's children, according to a public health expert.

Dr David Player said a nutritious midday meal for every school pupil is vital to improving the long term health of the nation.

The expert, who was the founding director of the Health Education Board in Scotland, published a report extolling the benefits of universal free school meals on Monday.

His report came ahead of a Holyrood vote on Thursday in which MSPs will be asked to decide on a Bill to introduce free school meals.

Dr David Player said he is thinking of the future

The Bill was put forward by Scottish Socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan, and he said he was hoping the report would secure the support of Labour backbenchers.

Mr Sheridan said: "For those Labour MSPs, in particular, who are supposed to be committed to tackling child poverty and improving child health I hope they will read this report with an open mind, because if they do, then we will have a rebellion on our hands on Thursday."

The Scottish Executive is opposed to universal free school meals and has said the money, put at �174m annually, would be better spent targeting help at the poorest children.

'Compelling evidence'

But Dr Player's report said targeting does not work and the best way of improving Scotland's appalling health record is to make sure that all children have a healthy diet.

He said the evidence, where free school meals for all have been introduced, like Scandinavia, is compelling - children have better health, are more alert in school and continue to eat healthier meals outside school hours.

Dr Player said: "We are thinking of the future population of Scotland and we have got to start now.

"We've got the highest rates of coronary heart disease, the highest rates of strokes, the highest rates of lung cancer and they, a lot of them, go back to nutrition as schoolchildren."

The Scottish National Party is in favour of Mr Sheridan's Bill, while the Tories oppose it.