Government proposals to bring back milk in schools have been welcomed by Ilford Recorder readers.

Last week education secretary Michael Gove announced the plans to make milk available to all pupils every day at school from January as part of a crackdown on unhealthy eating.

While there will be a charge for most pupils, those in receipt of free school meals will get the drink for free as well as the under-fives, who already get free milk.

The Government hopes the provision of milk will help tackle low calcium levels in children.

Discussing the issue on the Recorder’s Facebook page, Arti Bhardwaj said: “Good idea. I used to drink milk at school.

Sarah White wrote: “My youngest has milk and fruit every day at nursery and I remember my eldest a few years ago still getting milk when he was in the infants at primary school. If it can be given I think it’s a good idea.

Dhaneshwar Sharma said: “‘Thatcher, Thatcher...’ I was milk monitor – my first redundancy!

Samera Raja said: “My son had it whilst in nursery and I thought it was a brilliant idea, he loved it.”

And Suzanne Batey wrote: “Yes I had it and absolutely hated it, but found out I was lactose intolerant later in life.

“On the plus side, I have never broken any bones so it probably did me good being forced to drink it every day.”

Moh Bodhaniya also agreed, saying: “I used to have milk at school and I loved it I am talking about 15 years back. To bring back milk will be a good idea.”

But vegan campaign charity Viva! has described the proposals as “outdated” and said children should be drinking healthier alternatives such as water, soya milk or fruit juice.

Dr Justine Butler, senior health researcher and writer, said: “A growing body of scientific evidence links cow’s milk to a large number of childhood illnesses and shows that it is not the best source of calcium.

“Cow’s milk is linked to childhood allergies, constipation, ear infection, obesity, teenage acne and type 1 diabetes.

“And what’s more, there is no evidence that cow’s milk is an essential source of calcium, most people in the world don’t consume and dairy at all, they get all their calcium from plant foods.”

What do you think? Join the debate on Twitter @IlfordRecorder, head over to our Facebook page or email laura.burnip@archant.co.uk with your views.