SCHOOLCHILDREN are "concentrating more and behaving better" thanks to the introduction of healthier school meals.

Since the beginning of the new term pupils across Lewisham and Greenwich have been tucking into more nutritious grub, thanks to an overhaul in school menus.

A month into the new regime teachers and parents say the healthier food is already paying dividends.

All 87 mainstream schools in Lewisham have signed up to the new menus developed by catering company Scolarest.

This has seen all food cooked on site, with junk food ditched for more fruit and vegetables.

And primary schools even have their own salad bars to make sure pupils are benefiting from a balanced diet.

Matthew Britt, headteacher at St Mary's Primary School, Lewisham High Street, says the new menus are "a million times better".

He said: "It is a real step forward but I think we will see the real benefits in the longer term.

"We must also work with parents to make sure we educate children about healthy eating. This is just as important."

Lewisham Council has invested £580,000 in the overhaul but deputy mayor Councillor Gavin Moore claims this is "money well spent".

He said: "All the evidence we have seen suggests children who have a healthier school lunch concentrate better on their work and their behaviour improves.

"I have tasted these meals and can tell you from experience there is a noticeable improvement.

"They are tastier, better to look at and much more nutritious."

Of 88 schools in Greenwich, 81 are using the healthier ingredients first introduced by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver during his Jamie's School Dinners TV series.

News Shopper reported last month how Riverston School, Lee, became the first independent school in the borough to take up the council's revamped service.

Greenwich council leader Councillor Chris Roberts said: "Parents and teachers recognise the importance for children's health of a balanced diet.

"The new meals have also proved very popular with pupils."