CHILDREN will be scoffing endangered species at school next week - but there's no cause for alarm.

Meals featuring the names of pandas, tigers and baboons are on the menu to mark National School Meals Week.

Youngsters are also invited to help Dexter, the puppy dog mascot of the school meals service, celebrate his first birthday.

He'll be having a party today at St Thomas's CE Primary School in Bury, then touring local schools throughout the borough.

Mr Ray Worrall, borough catering officer, said this year's theme would be World Safari with a different choice of grub each day based on threatened animals.

Already on the menu are Monkey Mash and Baboon Beans on Ape Day, Tusk Treat on Elephant Day, Tiger's Pudding on Big Cat Day and Chi Chi Pudding with Ann Ann Sauce on Panda Day.

Councillor Wayne Campbell, chairman of contract services, said: "Our school meals service is acknowledged as one of the best in the region. We have one of the highest take-up rates of lunches anywhere in the region.

"However, this year National School Meals Week is not just about encouraging more youngsters to take our meals. The World Safari theme is helping to highlight endangered species and make our children more aware of what is going on."

Coun Campbell said there should be no shortage of mouth-watering food on offer at schools during the week.

Children who take school meals next week will be given an activity sheet and can enter a colouring competition.

Prizes include free individual admission or VIP trips for the whole class to a sea life centre and national seal sanctuary.

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