A SCHEME to reward youngsters with burgers to discourage them from playing hooky has come under fire.

Health Concern district councillor Dr Reg Johnstone, a consultant anaesthetist who opposed plans by McDonald's to build a third takeaway in Kidderminster, said: "I'm not really in favour of any scheme which encourages children to eat this sort of stodgy and highly processed food.

"I'm not against a scheme like this in principle but it needs to be well thought through. "

Pupils demonstrating "outstanding achievement" in attendance, standards of work or caring for others are being rewarded with vouchers which can be used at McDonald's in Kidderminster.

Wyre Forest schools involved in the "burger bonus scheme" are Bewdley High, Birchen Coppice Middle, Comberton First, Comberton Middle, Foley Park First, Sion Hill Middle, Sladen Middle, St Ambrose RC Primary, St Mary's CE First, St Oswald's First, Stourminster, Stourport First and Wribbenhall Middle schools.

Education welfare officers for Worcestershire County Council say they are delighted with the scheme's success and have thanked the fast food giant for its support.

Tim Scott, principal education welfare officer, said: "The feedback from our schools about the success of the scheme has been terrific and the children are delighted to be rewarded for their hard work."

Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor said: "The LEA has a healthy eating policy.

"Providing this scheme does not infringe this and the vouchers are literally offered as an occasional reward then I have no objections.

"I take my small daughter to McDonald's occasionally but for her it's a reward, not a habit."

He added he had spoken to the county council's director of education Julien Kramer about the scheme and he had been unaware of it.

A spokeswoman for Wyre Forest Primary Care Trust said: "The PCT understands that similar schemes have been successful in other parts of the country.

"Children should have occasional treats and many children enjoy McDonald's which can form part of a sensible approach to healthy eating to include a wide variety of foods such as fruit and vegetables."

A McDonald's spokeswoman said: "We were approached by the education welfare officer who is the expert. From all accounts the scheme has made a real difference.

"McDonald's food is fine as part of a balanced diet."