Healthy-eating in schools got a boost from education secretary Ruth Kelly speaking at this week's Labour Party conference.

She said the scandal of junk food in school canteens must end as she told delegates that sweets, chocolates and fizzy drinks will not be available anywhere in schools from vending machines from September 2006.

Sausages and burgers made from cheap processed meat will also be banned and vending machines will only stock milk, juice and bottled water.

But LibDem education spokesman warned that the Kelly plans may not be enough. "It's time more teachers and parents explained to our children why they should eat their greens," said Ed Davey.

Kelly promised £280 million for improving school meals, including new kitchens and more money to buy better ingredients earlier this year. This week she said government would be investing to improve ingredients and to train and value catering staff better. "And next week the school meals review panel will set out new nutritional standards," said Kelly. "I am absolutely clear that the scandal of junk food served every day in school canteens must end," she told the party faithful.