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School menus across Hertfordshire are proving more popular than other local counties, it has emerged.

Between October and December 2009 more than 44 per cent of Hertfordshire children sat down to school meals, which is well ahead of other authorities, including Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

Hertfordshire Catering, the county council’s school meals provider, served 39,912 meals a day compared to 37,914 for October to December 2008. This is an increase of 1,998 per day, 5.3 per cent up.

Richard Thake, executive member for education and skills, said: “School meals have certainly been transformed since I went to school and these latest figures speak for themselves,” said. “Hertfordshire's catering staff are serving tasty, balanced meals that children enjoy and are great value for money.”

A new three-week menu selection being launched after Easter should add even more appeal and attract even more pupils. Children will be able to opt for a traditional main meal or a vegetarian option with vegetables or salad, along with desserts, yoghurt or fresh fruit.

Lin O’Brien, head of Hertfordshire catering, was also encouraged by the results: “These latest figures are a huge achievement and it’s all down to our committed catering team,” said. “We listen to what children say they like and make sure the dishes we prepare are healthy and nutritious and comply with government standards.”

Parents can log on to www.hertsdirect.org/catering after Easter to see the new menus.