Pupils tuck in to 'pub' lunches

The previous caterer stopped supplies

Children in a Wiltshire village are being served school dinners straight from the local pub.

Landlady Helen Johnson came to the rescue of Luckington Primary School when the normal supplier stopping doing hot meals.

She launched the service this week with cottage pie and garden peas followed by fresh strawberries and cream.

Mrs Johnson, who runs The Old Royal Ship in the village near Malmesbury, has to keep within a budget of £1.30 per meal.

Home cooking

"Obviously, the portions aren't as big as we serve in the pub," she said.

The idea came about because the previous supplier would not deliver hot meals for fewer than 30 diners.

Pupils were faced with cold meals

The school's head teacher, Joyce Bellamy, did not want to settle for sandwiches and cold meals instead.

So she dropped in on the 18th century pub and asked for help.

"I was shocked," said Mrs Johnson.

"We serve home cooked food in the pub and we are used to doing children's portions.

Tight budget

"There will be good roast meals, and Friday will generally be fish day.

"But the chef and I have got to plan carefully to keep within budget. We are not going to make any money at £1.30 per meal.

"We are certainly not selling them in the pub for that amount."