SUGAR-FREE menus have been launched to ensure children at Tops Day Nurseries get a healthy, balanced diet.

Children have been learning about the new meals from chefs at the award-winning chain of nurseries and are now enjoying new and original dishes.

The new menu will include a variety of original meals such as mixed bean and root vegetable stew served with apricot and herb couscous, or potato and lentil cakes served with vegetable sticks. There will also be one fully vegetarian day per week as suggested by the national food trust.

Research shows that healthy eating habits in pre-school years are crucial for children for their growth, development and academic achievements in later life.

Tops has 17 nurseries including three in Bournemouth and others in Poole, Parkstone, Corfe Mullen, Wareham, Wimborne, Sturminster Newton and Gillingham.