The project is the first of its kind in Scotland

The Forth Valley College students will prepare food for children attending Raploch's new �17m Community Campus.

The project will see the college contracted to provide meals for about 200 a day.

Raploch's new campus opened on Wednesday and will house four primary schools under one roof.

Ken Thomson, deputy principal of Forth Valley College said 14 students had been training since October in anticipation of their involvement with the project.

All college courses offer industrial experience, but every day of their work here is real-life work for quite a demanding group of customers Ype van der Schaaf Head chef

He added: "For a college to deliver school meals like this is unique for Scotland.

"We are under contract to Stirling Council to deliver school meals following the Hungry for Success healthy food guidelines laid down by the Scottish Government which gives the students a good focus."

The campus' new head chef Ype van der Schaaf said it was the ideal training for budding chefs.

He said: "The students are terrific and can't wait to start work. They are all young, aged between 16 and 20, and are tremendously keen.

"In terms of practical experience of training in a working kitchen, there's nothing else like this on offer any where in Scotland.

"All college courses offer industrial experience, but every day of their work here is real-life work for quite a demanding group of customers."

Five serving assistants have been seconded from Stirling Council to the college to work on the school meals with the students.

The food on offer will follow the council's recommended menus.