Healthy eating manager's new role

A member of Northamptonshire County Council's healthy food and drink team has become a board director of a national nutrition watchdog.

Strategic manager Ruth O'Donnell has become a board director of the School Food Trust (SFT).

The SFT was set up by the government as a non-departmental public body in 2005 after campaigning for better school nutrition by TV chef Jamie Oliver.

The board advises the Department for Children Schools and Families.

Ms O'Donnell said: "I'm delighted to have been accepted on to the board - it goes to show all the hard work of the healthy food and drink team in Northamptonshire.

"Free school meals uptake in Northamptonshire is up 12% and the council has demonstrated a variety of initiatives which have been key to improving nutrition in schools.

"One of the projects we will be involved in is working with other local authorities so that they can share from our good practice."