Lennie the Leek has been launched as the new mascot for healthy school meals in Pembrokeshire. Designed by local primary school pupils, his job is to encourage primary school pupils to eat a nutritious, well-balanced lunch. "Lennie is promoting the message that healthy eating is fun, exciting and enjoyable," said Pembrokeshire County Clr. Islwyn Howells, cabinet member for children and young people. "As we all know, a hot well-balanced meal at lunchtime improves children's concentration, behaviour and the ability to retain information so it is vitally important that we set high standards for our school meals service." Lennie the Leek will be carrying the healthy eating messages throughout Pembrokeshire, with regular appearances in all primary schools. The package includes activities for children, resource packs for teachers, and information packs for parents, including menus. "Children will be able to meet Lennie and find out more about healthy eating, as he will be making personal appearances at schools across the county," said Clr. Howells. To the delight of pupils, Lennie was officially launched on Friday at the county's newest school, Ysgol y Frenni in Crymych, where he also launched his own website http://www.lunchwoithlennie.co.uk">www.lunchwoithlennie.co.uk The website - designed by the county council - has games and activities for children as well as information for parents and teachers. Said Clr. Howells: "It also gives people an opportunity for people to tell us what they think about our school meals service so that we can continue to improve our children's health here in Pembrokeshire." The healthy eating message also extend to Pembrokeshire's secondary school where vending machines selling chocolate, crisps and fizzy drinks are being phased out in favour of machines selling healthy snacks and drinks. Secondary school canteens now offer salads and pasta alongside more traditional choices such as roast dinners.