Norwich: Children get masterclass from celebrity

An award-winning Norfolk chef has dropped in to a primary school to help the children whip up some culinary delights and encourage them to eat more healthily.

Pupils at the Magdalen Gates Primary School in Bull Close Road, Norwich were visited by Galton Blackiston, who runs Morston Hall, a Norfolk-based hotel and restaurant, with his wife Tracy.

The 25 children who took part had been chosen through a school-run competition, in which they had to think of questions to ask Mr Blackiston.

He was asked what his favourite meal was, which was lobster, and who the most important person he had cooked for was, and he told the shocked listeners that it was the Queen.

When the chef was asked his favourite vegetable was, he replied that it was peas and sprouts, and the room filled with horrified groans.

The competition winners, who ranged from children of reception age up to Year 6, took part in a three-hour workshop with Mr Blackiston, and were allowed to eat the food they had produced.

On the menu was homemade fish fingers made with plaice, green mashed potato made with paisley, and freshly made tomato sauce, bread rolls and strawberry jelly.

Emily Attfield, PA to the school's head teacher, said: 'The children were really excited to get the chance to meet a celebrity. They all understood who Galton was and he was someone really great for them to aspire to.'

The workshop was part of the school's efforts to get a Bronze award in the Active Kids Get Cooking campaign, a national organisation for pupils of all ages, which aims to promote healthy eating in schools.

Wednesday's successful workshop is part of Magdalen Gates Primary School's ongoing efforts to educate the children about healthy eating, including introducing an after-school cookery club on Tuesdays, in a bid to get them enthusiastic about healthy lifestyles.

Is your school expecting a special visitor? Call Sam Emanuel on 01603 772438 or email sam.emanuel@archant.co.uk.