Unhealthy food has had its chips (From Warrington Guardian)

Unhealthy food has had its chips

A SCHOOL chef, who has been cooking up healthy treats for children in Burtonwood for the past three years, has had a busy few days.

Jane Gallagher, who is a catering officer at St Paul of the Cross Catholic Primary School, scooped the borough council's first special achievement award for services to school catering and was mentioned in a House of Commons debate by Helen Jones, MP for Warrington North.

The 38-year-old - who together with Sylvia Thomas cooks 70 meals for youngsters at the Milnthorpe Road school every day - was presented with her award at a ceremony at the Parr Hall just two days after Mrs Jones praised her in Parliament for encouraging children to try new dishes at lunchtime.

Mrs Jones, who was speaking during a debate on school meals and children's diets, said: "I visited St Paul of the Cross, where Jane Gallagher and her assistant Sylvia Thomas talked about how they cooked fresh food for the children and encouraged them to try new dishes.

"All parents know that the truth is that children will eat what they are used to and that it is our job as adults to get them used to eating decent meals."

Head teacher Andy Cocker nominated Jane for the award and sent in more than 70 letters, written by the pupils, who all thought that she should win.

Jane, who was one of eight different award recipients, said: "The children like pasta and rice and jacket potatoes - they're not really interested in chips and they'd rather have the healthy option.

"I had no idea that I'd even been nominated for an award, never mind won one, and it was such a lovely surprise."

Mr Cocker said: "We're very proud of Jane. She's a great ambassador for the school."