GWENT councils have pledged to take action to improve the quality of school meals.

School dinners have topped the political agenda after celebrity chef Jamie Oliver revealed that only 37 pence per child was spent on meals.

His Channel 4 show Jamie's School Dinners campaigned for healthier meals for pupils.

Last week education secretary Ruth Kelly said the government wants to make school dinners healthier, promising a package of measures. Gwent councils said they are already taking action.

Newport council's catering management department has produced a menu which aims to be low in fat, sugar and salt while still providing food children enjoy. They are providing support for schools and also actively promoting fruit.

Steve Kelly, the catering manager said: "We work in partnership with the school to provide a healthy menu."

Two Newport schools are already binning junk food in a bid to improve the diet and health of pupils.

Duffryn High School and St Joseph's Roman Catholic School have banned chocolate, crisps and fizzy drinks.

New menus include dishes like home-made lamb curries with naan bread, cauliflower cheese and sweet and sour turkey with a side salad.

Paula Ham, resources manager at Monmouthshire council, said: "We started a full review of school meals prior to Labour's announcement. It's a national issue but something our elected members are passionate about."

Bob Wellington, leader of Torfaen council, said he was keen to improve school meals after being shocked by Jamie Oliver's programme.

Councillor Wellington plans to hold a seminar on the issue and show the programme to councillors and officers. He said: "Ruth Kelly's comments about the government's desire to raise nutritional standards in schools are most encouraging."

A spokeswoman for Blaenau Gwent council said: "We fully support government initiatives to introduce healthy eating."

Recent developments have included the introduction of fresh fruit in primary schools and the re-introduction of free milk for younger children.

Caerphilly council's David Hardacre, cabinet member for Education and Leisure said: "Catering services employ two healthy food trainers who spend time in each primary school teaching catering staff how to use healthy ingredients."