Children in Dudley will get free school meals under a two-year pilot project being introduced this year.

Dudley is one of three areas chosen to take part in a £20 million pilot scheme announced by the government. The scheme will be launched from September this year in an attempt to improve the health and learning of primary schoolchildren.

Sandwell has also been put forward for the programme and the move will save parents £1.65 a day – or £8.75 a month – for a two course meal.

Schools Secretary Ed Balls identified Sandwell and Dudley as two of the boroughs that he and Health Secretary Alan Johnson believe should bid to take part.

“We want to make sure that children, and especially those from disadvantaged areas, have access to a healthy hot meal every day at school,” said Mr Balls.

“We have made massive investment in school meals and introduced important changes to the quality of school food, including tougher nutritional standards in primary schools.

“The pilots will help us discover whether offering free school meals has an impact on child health and obesity, behaviour and performance at school and eating habits at home.”

Dudley North MP Ian Austin welcomed the proposal. He said: “I’m really pleased the Government is offering Dudley this extra cash. It’s going to have a real impact on fitness and reducing obesity.”

Cabinet member for children’s services Councillor Liz Walker was unavailable for comment today. Council spokesman Chris Howes said the authority was waiting to receive detailed notification of the plan.

Two of the three areas chosen will offer free school meals to all primary school pupils, and the third will extend the eligibility of free meals to more children.

Mr Johnson said: “Nutritious lunches at primary school can make eating well a healthy habit for life.”