TV chef helps open Hellesdon kitchen

Youngsters rattled their pots and pans as a top chef helped open their school's new kitchen.

It has taken nearly four years to complete the new cookery classroom at Heather Avenue Infant School in Hellesdon.

Up until now, to take cookery lessons, a trolley had to be pushed from the canteen with a small mobile oven on it.

Now, the school has a state-of-the-art kitchen classroom with three cooking bays and the latest technology.

Michelin-starred chef Galton Blackiston, who owns Morston Hall in north Norfolk, cut the ribbon to open the classroom.

He also helped judge the youngsters' baking efforts as they took part in their own cookery competition in the style of the Great British Bake Off.

Sheela Bream-Hardy, headteacher, said: 'We believe that teaching children how to cook is vital – it is a life skill and one they will need to become truly independent young adults in the future.

'What we have is a state-of-the-art kitchen classroom. This really will help us to deliver our school vision, preparing children for a bright future in a changing world.'

The project has been supported by the Town Close Estate charity, the Fitzmaurice Trust, the Paul Bassham charitable trust and Dell Primary School.

The rest of the money has come from the Friends of Heather Avenue (PTA) and the school's building budget.

Youngsters at the school baked flapjacks at the end of last week.

Mr Blackiston was then tasked with tasting the flapjacks. The winning class was presented with a certificate.

Mr Blackiston said the children's flapjacks were 'excellent'.

He added: 'The earlier you can get children into cooking and baking the better. Cooking is fun and it puts a smile on your face.'

Have you got a story from the Hellesdon area? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk.