The children seem keen but the champions of health eating are less so. For a local authority is considering building a half-mile footway that will link a school with a McDonald's restaurant used by scores of pupils every day.

Inevitably nicknamed McPath, the link between the school and the burger bar could cost up to £100,000.

Supporters say it will create a safe route to the McDonald's and also to a residential area. Critics, however, believe it could prompt more pupils to shun healthy school meals in favour of burgers, chips and fizzy drinks.

The proposed path linking Brynteg School in Bridgend, south Wales, to a retail park and homes is being discussed by councillors and the school.

At the moment pupils tend to walk along a grassy verge next to a busy A road and headteacher David Jenkins wrote: "The road, as a major route, is extremely busy and presents a significant hazard for our pupils. The establishment of a footpath along the proposed route would significantly enhance the safety of our pupils."

A spokesman for Bridgend borough council, which is discussing the project with Bridgend town council, emphasised that Jenkins was not keen on the project because it linked his school to McDonald's. "The path would also lead to a residential area and the retail park," he said.

But British Dietetic Association spokeswoman Melissa Little said children would "benefit far more" by being encouraged to stay in school to eat balanced meals. "It's clearly not the best option for children having fast food every day," she said. "They should be encouraged to have a varied diet.

"If they're eating at McDonald's every day, they risk obesity and heart disease, as well as feeling sluggish, not being able to focus on schoolwork and not being able to get through the day."

Town council spokeswoman Barbara Parish said: "We are not encouraging them to go to McDonald's. Maybe one or two more might go because of this, but the good of the majority has got to come first."

Teenagers interviewed inside the restaurant also supported the money being spent on the McPath.

One said: "It's really dangerous. Nearly everyone in my year goes down at lunch and the sixth formers are always there. Let's face it, school dinners are rubbish."

One parent there said: "It's nice for them to get out of school and, as long as they eat healthily at home, it's fine."