Demand for free school meals at a Bromley school has doubled this term.

St Peter and St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in St Paul's Wood Hill, Orpington, has seen the number of children benefiting from the service rise from 30 to 60 every day since the new school year began in September.

The increase follows the government’s requirement to see schools provide lunches free for pupils.

Headteacher Joanne Seymour welcomed the move and said it is an opportunity to improve youngsters’ diets.

She also said instead of trays children now eat from plates at proper set tables, which has "made a huge difference" to the lunch time experience and kids are eating more.

Food in education organisation the Children’s Food Trust has said research suggests when children have a healthy meal at school their learning develops.

Chief Executive Linda Cregan remarked she has been impressed by the school’s work to offer better eating plans for pupils.

She said: "We’ve been really impressed by the determination, will and enthusiasm of St Peter and St Paul’s Primary School to overcome their challenges and offer all their infants a healthy, tasty lunch.

"Our research shows that when children eat better they do better and, as school meals have to meet national standards for nutrition, they are an ideal way to help children develop good food choices as habit."