FRESHLY cooked homemade meals have earned a Kidderminster nursery a healthy food award.

Deerhurst Day Nursery in Kidderminster has been handed the gold level of the Healthier Choices Food Award by Worcestershire Regulatory Services.

They were praised for ensuring children have a varied and nutritious diet. Children at the nursery get involved in food tasting activities and help to grow the fruit and vegetables in the wild garden.

Each year they also put together a harvest basket to take to a local nursing home.

Lesley Jackson, Deerhurst Day Nursery owner said: “We are delighted to receive this award which recognises our overall contribution to providing a healthy setting for our children and families.

“We would like to thank our dedicated team for their continued effort in supporting healthy choices for children, both through our carefully planned menus and play and learning experiences.

“We would like to add an extended thank you to Bewdley Farm Shop for working together with us to ensure we receive quality produce.”

The award scheme, run by Worcestershire Regulatory Services, recognises Worcestershire food businesses that cater for customers by offering them a variety of healthier and flexible options.

There is a special Gold Award for businesses that also use some food that has been grown or produced nearby.

It is only open to four or five star food hygiene rated businesses under the Food Standards Agency’s Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.

People can find out more about the award scheme by visiting www.worcsregservices.gov.uk/food