It goes a long way to solving some health problems the children could face in later life

Irfon James, headteacher Ysgol Glan Cleddau

The "Funky Food Group" has been established to encourage children to eat healthily and is funded by the Welsh Assembly.

Johnston CP School, Hubberston primary, Milford Haven junior and Ysgol Glan Cleddau are involved.

Four pupils and one teacher from each school have devised alternative menus along with health promotion groups and dieticians.

Some of the children's suggestions included sandwiches made with a mixture of brown and white bread, salads, fruit boxes and new fillings such as chicken korma for jacket potatoes and baguettes.

The choices include a salad box

On the menu at Ysgol Glan Cleddau on Friday was Hawaiian pizza, tuna pasta salad, coleslaw salad box, shortbread finger, fruit yoghurt and a blackcurrant drink.

"Funky Food" has been declared a success by the pupils.

Sam Thomas,7, said: "It is very good, I liked the pizza best."

Hannah Davies, 7, said: "It is very tasty, it is important to keep healthy."

Pupils gave their views on the whole eating experience.

They said they prefer adult-sized cutlery and like their food served in 'take-away' style brown bags.

Raw carrot proved to be the most popular vegetable.

Healthy choice

Irfon James, headteacher at Glan Cleddau, a Welsh medium junior school, said: "It is an excellent idea.

"It provides a cheaper, healthier option than parents filling their own lunch boxes for the children.

"It goes a long way to solving some health problems the children could face in later life."

Lynne Perry, of Pembrokeshire Health promotion service said: "Pupil representatives on the Funky Food Group used their knowledge of nutrition, together with their understanding of what children like, to help put together meals which will be healthy as well as popular."