The headteacher of a Walton school was invited to celebrate the launch of the free school meals scheme at a reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

Richard Dunne, headteacher of Ashley School in Walton, mingled with Ainsley Harriot, Valentine Warner and Annabel Karmel and more than 100 guests who work within education on Wednesday, September 3, at Admiralty House.

Mr Dunne said: "I think it is a visionary initiative that will have a positive impact on children's wellbeing and learning now, as well as hopefully developing good eating habits into the future.

"There have clearly been challenges insuring all schools are in a position to serve up free school meals this term, but I know there has been a lot of support to help schools and the longer term benefits will surely outweigh any problems setting things up."

From the start of this term, 1.89m children in reception, years 1 and 2 will be able to eat a free meal at lunchtime.

Speaking at the event, Nick Clegg said: "I'd like to thank everybody who played a huge role in raising the importance of school meals; campaigning for them and showing everybody the overwhelming evidence of why this is a good policy.

"Free School Meals have a health, educational and social benefit, which will be felt for many, many years to come."