A HEADTEACHER invited parents to his school to teach them the importance of healthy eating for their children.

Dozens of parents attended a meeting at St James Church of England Primary School organised by headteacher John Gregory and the Westhoughton Clinic.

Mr Gregory invited parents to the school in Hindley Road, Westhoughton, so they could learn more about a balanced diet as part of the growing national campaign for better meals for children.

"There was a lot of interest from those parents who attended, he said. "They stayed asking questions for another hour at the end of our presentation.

"We are going to follow on from this with another meeting, more of a social occasion where parents will bring in their childrens favourite meals.

"Parents can sample the cooking and exchange recipes. We'll turn the hall into a big dining room. There will be a quiz and possibly a bit of a disco too."

Cllr Martyn Cox, Bolton Councils Executive Member for Childrens Services, said: "Obesity is now recognised as being a major illness in children and it would be irresponsible for schools not to tackle this problem.

"Children increasingly eat at schools with breakfast clubs and schools have a huge role to play in their wellbeing. I am really pleased St James school is holding such events and taking their role seriously."