Schoolchildren in the UK are spending more than �1.3bn a year on food, according to a new survey.

Although the majority - 68% - of pupils rate their diet as healthy, almost a third of their pocket money is spent on snacks eaten while travelling to and from school.

The survey, carried out by catering company Sodexho, also found 15% of girls aged 15 to 16 are spending their money on cigarettes.

That is an increase from 5% in 2000.

In contrast, just 6% of boys in the same age group spend money on cigarettes.

Of those who eat school meals, 84% say they enjoy them, with pizza rated the most popular dish.

But for the first time in six years, chips fell out of the top five favourite school meals, to be replaced by curry.

The study also found that eight out of 10 parents and 68% of pupils would like cooking lessons to be provided at school.