Year seven pupils from City Academy Norwich were cooking with confidence on Monday as they rustled up a traditional Christmas roast for the school community.

As part of the academy's work to make the students think about their place in the community and what they can do for themselves and others, they worked all year towards the feast.

'It's about giving them the confidence to do things in the adult world,' said Linda Roberts, head of Design Technology.

'It's a way of giving our students something to aim for, to work towards a celebratory end.

'It helps their self esteem and confidence massively.'

The academy, on Earlham Road, specialises in Design Technology and English.

Photo: Denise Bradley