NOW that schools have come to the end of the spring term, Basingstoke-based bakers Warburtons has been celebrating record numbers for its school visitors’ programme.

The scheme aims to teach primary school children about the importance of eating a balanced diet, while also raising the awareness of hygiene and safety, food waste and food preparation skills.

Schools in and around Basingstoke, including Chalk Ridge Primary School and Kempshott Junior School, and across Hampshire have been visited by a team from the firm’s Basingstoke depot, in Morse Road, on the West Ham Industrial Estate.

Alex Aitken, Basingstoke School Visitor, said 1,400 children across 60 schools have taken part in the local programme since it was launched in September.

Alex said: “As increasing numbers of primary school pupils are classified as overweight, the intention of the scheme is to help children understand the importance of a balanced diet.

Alex said: “The children absolutely love the programme and never want the day to finish.

“We have bookings all the way up to September 2015 and there are still nearly a 1,000 schools in the area which haven’t been contacted yet.”