THESE days pupils at an Abergavenny school are more likely to be found tucking into salad and mineral water than chips and coke.

In a bid to promote healthy eating King Henry VIII Comprehensive has ditched its vending machines and fast food.

Since September, burgers and sausages have been replaced on canteen menus with pasta and baked potatoes.

And now the school's salad and milkshake bars are proving so popular they are struggling to meet demand.

Head teacher Gareth Barker told the Argus the health drive had proved a great success.

He said: "The milkshake bar in particular has done a roaring trade - we have been going through up to 500 pints of milk a day. And the pupils are right behind us, the school council has been extremely supportive."

As part of the scheme, water coolers have also been placed around the school.

Mr Barker said: "We removed all of our fizzy drinks machines and replaced them with the water fountains."

The pupils are encouraged to fill plastic bottles and drink regularly, even during lessons.

"We've already noticed an improvement in their behaviour and concentration."

The healthy eating initiative was launched in response to the growing evidence that pupils' progress in school is affected by what they eat. Research has shown too many fizzy drinks, crisps, chocolate and other sugary foods result in reduced energy levels and poor concentration.

Mr Barker added: "Since we made the changes we've actually seen an uptake in the number of pupils eating full meals instead of snacks. It's still early days but it seems to be working."