Schools across the Wyre Forest district are being urged to apply for funding to improve the supply of school meals.

Primary school across Worcestershire are being offered the opportunity to have better kitchens, thanks to a Government grant worth £6.3 million.

There are many schools, mainly in rural areas, which could benefit from a share of the cash which is being made available during the next three years.

The money is expected to help pay for hot food trolleys and washing up facilities in schools without kitchens.

It is not yet known which schools will benefit from the cash windfall.

Education officials had been bidding for funds for to help improve many primary schools, so that even if hot meals could not be cooked at them, at least they could be brought in from outside.

The move is also seen as helping schools encourage healthy eating and lifestyles.

Education chiefs believe it will help improve the take-up of school meals.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families has said that capital grants of £3.150 million will be available this financial year and a further £3,154 million in 2010 to 2011.

Discussions have already started with schools on how they could make use of the funding to improve the uptake of school meals.