A Manchester school has reportedly contacted US fast food giant Subway to initiate talks to open a store at its sixth form college.
A spokesperson for the chain told the Huffington Post that Parrs Wood High School in Didsbury, Manchester had initiated contact with the hope of bringing the six-inch sub to school.
"The partnership could be something quite low impact, such as us bringing in a tray of Subs each day to sell to the students. Or it could be something close to a proper Subway store," a spokesperson said.
"Talks are at a pretty early stage at the moment."
Manchester Evening News, which originally reported on the story, quoted the headteacher Andy Shakos as saying:
"We are looking at how we can change the provision for our students in the sixth form. Subway is one of the possibilities we are looking at."
However Shakos' personal assistant told the Huffington Post:
"We are not having any more contact with the media. This is a very busy time as we are coming to the end of the school year and we have been told by the head we are not to give out any more information or speak to the press."
Items sold by the Subway chain include the Chicken & Bacon Ranch Melt, which contains 20.3g of fat while one of the store's "snacks" is a bowl of melted cheese nachos. which contains 24.3g of fat.
A local councillor said schools should be attempting to improve children's eating habits, instead of making them worse.
“I work in public health. I see the effects of fast food on child obesity every day. Schools have an obligation to reduce obesity levels, not add to them," Andy Taylor said.
Subway currently has more stores in the UK than McDonald's and has previously been criticised for its high salt content, although the company has committed to reducing this by 33%.
Commenting on the discussions, local Lib Dem MP John Leech said:
“My instinct is to oppose these plans, and urge the school, and Subway, to think again. Schools should be offering a balanced range of dinners to pupils, not just sandwiches.”
But Manchester City Council had a different story. A spokeswoman said it was a "story about absolutely nothing".
"The head did not even speak to Manchester Evening News. The school has had a very exploratory meeting with Subway. It was a meeting that is going nowhere."