A FURNESS school played host 25 years ago to the county-wide launch of a new nutrition policy aimed at youngsters.

Peter Rabbit and the Barrow county councillor Colin Liversedge were among guests at the town's Newbarns Primary School to help promote healthy eating.

It was all part of National School Meals Week and the school canteen had banners and posters featuring a design of a friendly dinosaur called Deano – posed ready to eat a whole sausage on the end of his fork.

The Mail, on November 14 in 1994, noted: "Concerns over the health of Cumbrians and the need to cut down dental decay and heart disease led to the setting up of a working group.

"The group decided to launch a Cumbria School Nutrition Policy which would involve dentists, nurses, dieticians, catering services, parents, teachers and governors."

The scheme called on schools to set up School Nutrition Action Committees.

Marion Burden, of the county's quality assurance department, said: "We want to get schools to become health promoting schools, working together with the community.

"We want children to make their own informed decisions."

This year's National School Meals Week is from November 11 to 15.

Last year the Lead Association for Catering in Education celebrated the national event’s silver jubilee.

A spokesperson said: “For 25 years LACA has worked hard to promote school food and the work continues as we showcase the benefits, values and nutritional value of a ‘modern day’ school lunch.”

The aim this year is to tour with a Taste For Yourself message.

The spokesperson said: “Plans are in the early stages but we will tour England and Wales, and at stops along the way invite parents, journalists, dignitaries and the public at large to enjoy some freshly prepared school food."