THOUSANDS more Glasgow primary pupils are tucking into free school meals.

Almost 7000 additional pupils have taken up the offer since October, when the Government launched free meal pilot schemes for primary one to three pupils in five areas of Scotland.

Across the city's 169 primaries, the average number taking free meals is 79%, or 11,554 pupils.

Ten primaries have had a 100% response from pupils but at Garrowhill primary only 55% of youngsters are opting for free lunches.

Council bosses want to push up the average to 85% and plan to visit every school where less than three quarters of pupils are opting to eat for free.

A spokesman said: "A monitoring visit will investigate any influencing factors affecting uptake.

"This will cover, among other things, the quality of food and the speed of service and will also examine whether the service could be better promoted to parents and pupils."

The council recently quizzed pupils, teaching and catering staff at schools in Springburn about healthy eating.

The study recommended councils do everything they can to tackle vans and local shops targeting pupils with cheap, unhealthy lunches.

Glasgow Centre for Population Health researchers also found packed lunches and snacks were "a cause for concern".

They suggested: "Head teachers could consider banning the consumption of certain items in school, such as unhealthy snacks and fizzy or sugary drinks."

The research also looked at the possibility of banning secondary pupils from leaving school at lunchtime, but warned there was only "limited support" for this move.

It added: "Any attempts at introducing even a partial ban should be considered very carefully and after consultation with the relevant school staff and pupils. A pilot exercise might be an appropriate first step."

Council bosses were also warned not put more pressure on pupils to eat healthily at home as it might cause resentment among parents and pupils.

The report states: "It was generally felt by pupils and parents that Glasgow City Council should think very carefully before attempting to influence families more directly in their home environment.

"Pupils and parents felt such attempts would be met with a mixture of indifference, resentment and resistance."