The school in Strathaven won the top accolade out of 98 schools which took part in the theme day competition which encourages all young people to read for pleasure and come for their school lunch.

Councillor Robert Brown, the chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Committee was invited along to St Patrick’s Primary School to say a few words at a special assembly to mark the success of the school coming top in the special menu uptake in the Hamilton and Larkhall areas.

Councillor Brown said: “It was great to see so many smiling faces at the assembly. First of all, I wanted to say, a great big well done to St Patricks Primary School, for winning our World Book Day competition.

“As a special treat, I was delighted to introduce our Go Fresh characters, Colin Carrot and Alan Apple who gave everyone a Go Fresh bookmark to hopefully encourage all the pupils to continue reading and as a big thank you for taking part.

“I hope all the pupils will continue to come along and enjoy a school lunch. And the pupils also gave their cook in charge, Helen McIntosh and all her team in the kitchen another big clap for working very hard every day to provide their school lunches.”

The menu on the World Book Day was titled – “The pupils who came to tea 2024” – the choices were themed using popular children’s books, these included:

• Blue meal – Charlotte and Wilbur’s chicken goujons with chips
• Red meal – George’s Marvellous Creamy Tomato Pasta
• Green meal – The Hobbit’s Ham roll
• All served with the Lion and Witches selection of vegetables
• Dessert – Zog’s Chocolate Tiffin

Acting Head Teacher Elaine Campbell said: “We were delighted to welcome Councillor Brown, council staff, Helen and Caroline from the kitchen and Andy Apple and Colin Carrot from the Go Fresh Club to our assembly.

“The children really loved getting to meet some of the Go Fresh Club characters who helped the school celebrate having won the challenge by having the highest uptake of school meals on World Book Day in the Hamilton and Larkhall area.”

Pupils also received a Go Fresh Character bookmark to encourage them to continue reading.

The other winning schools were:

• Braehead Primary School for Clydesdale area
• Kirktonholme Primary School for East Kilbride
• Burnside Primary school for Cambuslang and Rutherglen