Townhill Primary School welcomed Paula Pineapple and Becky Broccoli, two of the council’s Go Fresh characters who help encourage pupils to have a school lunch.

Schools across South Lanarkshire had a special themed lunch for World Book Day, and the school in each geographical area with the highest increase in lunch uptake for that day received a visit from the Go Fresh characters.

Chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, Councillor Robert Brown, said: “It was great fun to see how much the pupils all enjoyed the visit from Paula Pineapple and Becky Broccoli.

“Encouraging our young people to have a healthy, balanced meal is of course the main aim of events like this, so there is a more serious message behind it.

“Well done to Townhill Primary for having the biggest uptake in lunches for the Hamilton area.”

Townhill PS Head Teacher Allyson McGovern said: “The pupils really enjoyed the visit and to tie in with the World Book Day theme they were all given a  bookmark.

“I would like to thank Facilities Services for organising the visit and we look forward to welcoming Paula Pineapple and Becky Broccoli back to our school.

“Special thanks also have to go to our Cook in Charge, Mrs Holler, and all her team in the kitchen who work very hard every day providing our school lunches.”

The theme day menu was served to the 86 schools who signed up to be involved, the menu was themed around favourite children’s books and included Gruffalo Fish goujons and wedges, Potter Chicken Poppers and savoury rice, Matilda Meatballs and spaghetti, Blurb Burrito and wedges, all served with Gangstas Granny’s selection of vegetables. Dessert was Charlie and the Chocolate Crispy Cake.