THE issue of healthy eating in schools is being looked at by Worcestershire county councillors as part of a scrutiny exercise.

A task group of seven members led by Cllr Jo Hodges will examine the hot topic as part of the first piece of scrutiny under the new arrangements at County Hall.

Members will look at the educational effects of poor diet, the current situation in the county with regard to obesity and diets and what can be done about the situation.

When the exercise is completed it will be presented to cabinet members to help formulate future policy.

Cllr Hodges said: "The health of children in our schools is very important to parents, teachers and councillors.

"We want to ensure we have the best information possible to advise our schools on what diet maximises pupils' concentration, behaviour and learning."

She added: "We will be taking the advice of experts on children's diets and the effect it has on their behaviour and concentration and also listening to the views of parents and young people.

"We hope that the panel can advise Cabinet members to make recommendations to schools on what foods and drinks are best either included or excluded from diets."

Councillors will be looking to speak to doctors, dieticians, nutrition experts, educational behaviour experts, school nurses, the council's healthy schools co-ordinator, teachers and catering suppliers.

"We are also keen to harvest the views of the public too. We would especially like to talk to those worried about what their child eats, those that want their children to eat more healthily and anyone who can suggest things the county council can do to help," Cllr Hodges said.