A MUM who brought healthy organic food to her daughter's school is to meet Prince Charles along with the country's other top dinner ladies.

The Prince of Wales has invited 120 dinner ladies and headteachers to a special lunch at Clarence House to thank them for bringing nutritious meals to schools.

Head of catering at Lethbridge Primary Pam Shipperbottom said: "I am really pleased to be going to the palace and meeting the Prince of Wales.

"I know first-hand how hard cooks work and how much we care about what children in our school eat."

Pam, 40, of Old Town, whose daughter Lauren, eight, and four-year-old son Sam go to Lethbridge, set up catering company Let's Do Lunch in 2004 after the school considered withdrawing hot meals.

"It took quite a long time to win the children over, but I don't think we can rush these things," said Pam.

"It was nowhere near as hard as people think to get good quality produce on a low budget.

"There are a lot of local suppliers out there willing to supply schools.

"It is really just a case of being innovative and thinking outside the box."

She added: "In March the schools will all be taking their meals in-house, so we'll be acting in a more advisory role."

Pam will be going to the palace on Thursday with Lethbridge headteacher Ray Norman.

"I'm really excited to meet the Prince and absolutely delighted that we have been recognised by the School Food Trust," she said.

Mr Norman said: "It's really nice Pam getting recognition for what she has done for the school.

"The children do like the healthy lunches and we've had a huge uptake since Pam introduced them.

"About half the school have meals some days a week.

"The children have learned the importance of food as part of a healthy lifestyle, which is all part of preparing them for their adult lives."

The School Food Trust will be putting on the special lunch at Prince Charles' home for the country's very best dinner ladies.