A COUNCIL'S efforts to improve the quality of school dinners has won national acclaim.

Greenwich Council has been commended for its healthy school meals campaign at the Local Government Chronicle Awards.

The award reflects the council's attempts to improve food in the borough's schools, since chef Jamie Oliver criticised standards in a fly-on-the-wall TV documentary.

Changes have seen processed ingredients removed from the menus and replaced with healthier offerings, including more fruit and vegetables.

Council leader Councillor Chris Roberts said: "The healthier menus are making a very real contribution to the improved health of our young people."

The annual awards ceremony, held this year at the Grosvenor House Hotel in central London, aims to recognise excellence by councils across the country.