REDSTART School in Chard had a special visitor for lunch last week when constituency MP David Laws stopped by.

The Minister of State for Schools are lunch with younger pupils, who are now entitled to free school meals under a Liberal Democrat policy introduced in September.

Mr Laws said: “I was very impressed indeed by the free school meals at Redstart school.

“This school has not just delivered the policy but has delivered it brilliantly.

“It is an exemplar of how to introduce healthy eating into schools and I will ask my officials in London to look at Redstart and encourage other schools across the country to follow its lead.

“Head teacher Suzanne Flack and her team deserve praise for throwing themselves into this with such enthusiasm and effectiveness.

“The meals are really great quality, as I discovered myself this week. And children are taught good table manners and how to sit down for a proper meal together.

“I am very proud of this new scheme, introduced by the Liberal Democrats in government.

“It is good for healthy eating and for children’s performance in schools, and it certainly helps household budgets in these tough times.”

MP David Laws enjoyed lunch with pupils at Redstart School. Photo: Steve Richardson.