WORKERS at a Gwent call centre usually dine on dishes such as cottage pie - but chef Sean Murphy gave them a taste of healthier eating.

The 350 workers at Dial call centre, Llantarnam Business Park, Cwmbran, were tucking into grilled chicken with lime cous cous and coriander dressing, or roasted salmon on Mediterranean vegetables with pesto.Cardiff-based Mr Murphy, 32, said: "It's like a Jamie Oliver school canteen campaign for adults."

He said while the new menu would cost more, it would be worthwhile. "We need to excite people with food," said Mr Murphy, who worked at three of Gordon Ramsay's London restaurants.

"The meals before were slightly cheaper to produce, but if we want to eat good, healthy food, we have got to pay a little bit extra."

The idea to transform the menu arose from staff forums where workers called for better choice.

Support services director Sara Powell said the meals, which are subsidised by the firm, would still cost £2.50.

"January seemed like the perfect time when everyone is feeling like they have over-indulged," she said.

"We hope more staff will start using the canteen. We can't make people eat healthily, but we can give them the option."

Telesales operator LIsa Cook, 21, of Viaduct Court, Pontypool, eats in the canteen every day.

She said: "It's nice to have a healthy option as watching what I eat is quite important to me."

Receptionist Carrie Ford, 23, of Ellick Street, Blaenavon, has worked at the centre for three years but takes a packed lunch.

She said: "Now I will be taking advantage of the new menu - it looks fabulous."