Heather Manahan and Judith Pudan have been saved from unemployment

Wittersham Primary School has saved its canteen staff from redundancy – by getting them to cook for the entire village.

The school, near Tenterden, is inviting residents to join the
children every Wednesday for a community lunch they are calling
Back to School dinners.

The idea has received enthusiastic support from diners who are
charged only £3 for a roast dinner, plus pudding.

The scheme - thought to be the first by any school - is saving
the jobs of cooks Janet Pudan and Heather Manahan who only a couple
of months ago were faced with unemployment.

Head teacher Judith Thornton said: "The problem was if we
couldn’t break even with the school meals then we were going to
have to release staff and bring meals in.

"I think people like having dinner with the children. They have
a nice, relaxing time, enjoying their meal."