SCHOOL dinners were given the thumbs up by Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Collins, who was invited to tuck in on a visit to a South Lakeland school.

While meeting some of the students of Queen Katherine School, in Kendal, Mr Collins sat down to school dinner and was impressed by the quality of the food.

"I am pleased that I have been spared the ordeal of lumpy spuds and soggy semolina from my own school days," he said.

From a varied menu which included pasta, fruit and salad, Mr Collins opted for pizza and chips sheepishly saying that it would give him "the necessary energy to get through a busy day", before adding, "and, anyhow, who doesn't like chips?"

Student Tess McNamara said: "I have never had dinner with an MP before.

It was a great surprise."

Colleague Steven Hall added: "He told me about the dinners he used to have at school.

I don't think I'd want them either!"

Mr Collins was meeting head teacher Stephen Wilkinson to discuss sixth form education funding.

The MP said: "There has been a large increase in students aged 16 and over in South Lakeland.

It is obvious that our schools need a proportional increase in funding to match this.

I have already approached the Schools' Minister about the matter.

"Rural areas do not do as well for funding as urban areas, but Cumbria fairs especially poorly.

This needs to change."

Mr Wilkinson said: "With the backing of the LEA I am hopeful of being able to access funding.

The support of our local MP will certainly be of great help."