SUCCESS is most definitely on the menu at one North Yorkshire school.

For the number of children staying to school meals has soared since a new "theme scheme" came into play.

Pupils are now queuing up for lunch at Romanby Primary - because they choose the food themselves.

The initiative has been such a hit kitchen staff are said to be exhausted.

Headteacher Jeff Featonby said the number of children staying to meals had been dropping. About 40 pupils from a roll of more than 260 were opting to eat the meals, with most taking packed lunches.

The children had been able to choose sandwiches or a meal but had to fill in a form at the start of each week.

So staff met North Yorkshire County Council officers and came up with two ideas - changing the sandwich system and introducing theme meals once a week.

The children now choose sandwiches on a daily basis and the numbers have gone up from two or three to more than 40.

"For the theme meals, we decided to let the children choose," said Mr Featonby.

The first class to be asked wanted proper fish and chips, with mushy peas and chocolate pudding. The council said they would get fresh fish for the meal.

"We got 125 children plus some staff for that meal and it was gorgeous," said Mr Featonby.

The next class picked a McDonald's meal for last Friday. "We said we could not do that, but we would make the nearest we could, a fast food meal with ice cream for afters," he said.

Staff dished up burgers and nearly 140 children lined up for the treat.

In general, numbers have now gone up to more than 80 a day for the school food.

"The cook is worn out," said Mr Featonby.

When the juniors have had five theme meals, the infants will make their choice.

"It was getting to the point where the numbers were not justifying the staff hours, but now some overtime is involved, so everyone is happy," said Mr Featonby.

Kathy Kirvell, area catering manager for North Yorkshire County Catering, said: "We are all over the moon at the success of this scheme.

"We still ensure the meals comply with Government nutrition guidelines."