CHILDREN are savouring the meal-time experience at a newly re-opened school dining room.Lunch has a very different flavour in the refurbished refectory at Great Yarmouth's St Nicholas Priory Junior School.

CHILDREN are savouring the meal-time experience at a newly re-opened school dining room.

Lunch has a very different flavour in the refurbished refectory at Great Yarmouth's St Nicholas Priory Junior School.

Stripped wood walls and Swedish designed furniture are a world away from the dour image of the traditional school canteen.

The dining room was officially opened this week following the makeover that was 18 months in the planning.

Head teacher Mark Adams said: “The children love the new dining room - it is very different we wanted to change from the institutionalised atmosphere to an eating experience.

“The tables are round with flowers on and there is dropped lighting rather than fluorescent tubes. If the dining experience is good pupils are more able to enjoy their learning.”

A bright striped canopy and tables have also been up outside the school so children can dine al fresco.

Education advisor Marcus Orlovksy gave an inspiring talk to staff and parents at the event on Monday night. A founder member and director of educational consultants Bryanston Square, he helped put the school in contact with the dining room designers.

Cook manager Margaret Breen puts together the school's menu of healthy meals and has seen the benefits of the transformed dining room first hand. She said: “The noise levels have gone down and the children seem to have quieter conversations now.

“It is a much more pleasant place to enjoy a meal and a nicer environment to work in.”