FORMER world-record sprinter Colin Jackson swapped his spikes for an apron and serving spoon to dish up Britain’s favourite school dinner when he launched National School Meals Week.’ He revealed the nation’s most popular school dinner. It’s no longer beans and chips and Spotted Dick for pudding

By Mike Brooke

FORMER world-record sprinter Colin Jackson swapped his spikes for an apron and serving spoon to dish up Britain's favourite school dinner when he turned up in London's East End.

He looked in at Bethnal Green's Morpeth Secondary to launch 'National School Meals Week' last week by revealing the nation's most popular school dinner.

It's no longer beans and chips and Spotted Dick for pudding.

People of all ages cast their vote online in the summer to choose from 12 typical main courses and desserts which was their favourite.

Jackson, who has won 27 major medals in the sprint hurdles, revealed the winning choice was our traditional roast beef and Yorkshire pud and for 'afters' sponge pudding with runny custard on top.

He told the kids: "School Meals week is a national focus on getting the balance right between what you eat and the amount of exercise you do."

Jackson also led the exited youngsters in a physical activity session before lunch.

Head-teacher Sir Alasdair Macdonald said: "We have a major role to play in encouraging children to lead healthy lifestyles. That includes healthy eating."

The nationwide campaign to counter obesity for this year's launch chose Tower Hamlets, one of the worst areas of London for overweight children.

Some 16,000 primary and secondary schools up and down the country were involved, where pupils were encouraged to have a nutritious meal mid-day and adopt a healthy lifestyle.