ipswich: When most people think of school dinners they think of soggy vegetables and lumpy mash.

But at Sidegate Lane Primary School staff have been praised for the high standard of food served to youngsters.

The school has received a five-rating by the borough council’s environmental health team.

The borough council has adopted the Food Standards Agency’s rating system, which sees takeways, restaurants and schools rated on food hygiene standards.

Councillor Alasdair Ross, a governor of the school, said it was a massive boost for the school community to be congratulated on their school lunches.

He said: “Our staff in our kitchen have always done their utmost to provide fantastic food for both staff and pupils, so it is great they have achieved top marks for food hygiene.”

Councillor Judy Terry, who is also a school governor, said: “Introducing young people to good, healthy food at an early stage is essential to their future wellbeing in so many ways and this has been a priority at the school for many years. Top marks are well deserved and I congratulate the head and the whole catering team.”

Suffolk New College was also declared a five-star establishment.

Principal Professor Dave Muller said: “Our students are the chefs of the future. They have learnt to maintain high standards and will take them into the hospitality industry.”

Chairman of the Food Standards Agency, Lord Rooker, is set to venture to Ipswich to meet with more than 100 delegates praised for their standards.

The event will take place at the Town Hall on March 14 from 3pm

n Do you have good memories of school dinners? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or send an e-mail to starnews@archant.co.uk