A policy of only using free-range eggs in schools has won Bath and North East Council a Good Egg award from animal welfare charity Compassion in World Farming.

Free-range eggs have been used in school kitchens across the district as part of a commitment to healthier eating in schools.

All the eggs are sourced locally through Bath and District Farmers who already supply milk, yoghurt and cheese to the schools meal service.

More than three-quarters of Bath and North East Somerset’s schools already have Healthy School Status and ten schools have started work on the Healthy Schools plus.

The council received the award at a ceremony in Harrogate which celebrated the commitment of companies and public sector bodies to stop using eggs from battery caged hens.

Compassion in World Farming’s Campaigns Co-ordinator, Eloise Shavelar said she hoped other councils would follow Bath and North East Somerset Council’s example.

“All local authorities have a clear opportunity to lead the way in animal welfare standards, ahead of the 2012 EU ban on barren battery cages.

“Central and local government offices are important users of eggs.”

Other Good Egg Award winners include Debenhams, Little Chef, Starbucks Coffee, John Lewis and Virgin Trains.