GRUB up! Youngsters in Abergavenny and the rest of Monmouthshire are tucking in to something new on the menu from education chiefs.

This week County Hall launched a campaign to promote its new primary school meals service which they insist gives youngsters tasty and nutritious dishes which offer value for money.

The locally sourced food, cooked on site, sets the diners back no more than £2 for a two-course meal.

The council’s assault on junior tastebuds was served up on Wednesday with a film featuring pupils from Monmouth’s Kymin View Primary released on social media channels. The sequence shows pupils bopping to the early 60s hit Monster Mash… with a slight twist.

MCC has also produced a video promoting the new menu to be released in time for National School Meals Week which starts on November 2.

Councillor Liz Hacket Pain, cabinet member with responsibility for school meals, said, “School meals really have improved beyond recognition and many parents are unaware what fantastic value they represent.

“In addition, parents leading busy lifestyles can be assured that today’s school meals are far from being convenience food. They’re genuinely good for children’s health, education and well-being. It would be difficult to find better value elsewhere. All food included within the new school meals menu meets or exceeds government nutritional guidelines.”

Research shows that a good diet doesn’t only affect physical health. It has a direct impact on the ability to learn. Children who eat a healthy diet are said to be more focused and achieve better academic results.

Typical meals on offer include traditional favourite such as shepherd’s pie, roast pork or an appetising casserole. Modern offerings include barbecued chicken, pizza and meatballs. Spring and summer will throw up other options.