DIY meals are being served up at a primary school.

Staff are pleased with the fruit and vegetables children are eating at Park End Primary School, Middlesbrough C because they are growing their own.

According to Middlesbrough Council, the 478-pupil school is leading the way in the towns Urban Farming Project, demonstrating a lesson to the town.

Park End Primary has an allotment and harvests strawberries, melons, pumpkins, carrots, potatoes, onions and peas C and the schools three hens provide a steady supply of free-range eggs.

Yesterday, the school revealed plans to step up food production with a polytunnel.

Headteacher Mary Hall said: Its great to see the enthusiasm the staff and children have for the project.

Theyve worked with the local community, and have learned a great deal about the process, from growing the food right through to eating it.

They see the food they have produced in the school kitchens, and are learning about healthy lifestyles in a positive way.

Ten-year-old pupil Liam Gunn said: I really like growing things C its fun.

Weve grown lots of things, such as tomato plants and lettuces, and then we get to eat them with our school dinner.

Ian Collingwood, the councils regeneration consultant, said: Ive been hugely impressed with what Park End Primary has achieved over the past year and what they are continuing to do.

The kids enthusiasm is marvellous.

They now know that chips dont just come out of a bag, and they are producing what they eat for themselves, and reducing their carbon footprint into the bargain.

What they are doing is setting a model of sustainability.

Schools and community groups are being encouraged to cultivate home-grown food to reduce food miles and their impact on the environment.

The town-wide project culminated in the Middlesbrough Town Meal, in Centre Square, last September, with enough local produce to feed more than 2,500 people. The second Town Meal will be held on Saturday, September 6,.

ö Park End primarys tunnel was provided with funding from Groundwork South Tees and Park End Community Council.