16234/2GAZETTE & HERALD: CRISPS were swapped for breadsticks and cherries replaced chocolate bars as children at Charter Primary School, Chippenham, learned about healthy eating this week.

Youngsters got the chance to try foods they wouldn't normally taste including exotic fruits, seeds and different kinds of apples.

Teacher Jenny Chadbourne said all 360 pupils took part and the results were encouraging.

She said: "One little boy refused to eat a piece of apple, saying he didn't like it. I'm afraid to say I made him try it and his face lit up. It was a real picture.

"They've been learning all about where apples come from and the difference in prices and have eaten sunflower seeds, poppy seeds and pumpkin seeds.

"We all know children go through fads but some kids come to school with three chocolate bars and a jam sandwich.

"The difference in their concentration after lunch is amazing they can be high as kites."

Miss Chadbourne said the school had been spurred on by the campaign of TV chef Jamie Oliver, and hoped parents and pupils would keep the healthy eating going after this week.

"It's something I think is very important," she said.

She thanked SK Fruits of Chippenham High Street for donating the apples, and grandmother Jackie Hughes for providing the seeds.