The event on Thursday, June 21, was the culmination of a series of Cook It healthy eating and lifestyle sessions, involving Year 6 pupils from Escomb Primary and Cockton Hill Junior schools, and Year 7 students from Bishop Barrington School.

A total of 60 children, staff from the three schools, and about a dozen parents, joined in Thursday’s celebration, which included talks, a film and a live cookery demonstration, conducted by healthy food chef, Irene Bell of Curriculum Cookery. Two children, from each school acted as her assistants.

All the children had the opportunity for some hands on food preparation. They made fruit smoothies, fruit kebabs and healthy sandwiches which they then ate for lunch, as well as healthy fritters, made by Irene Bell.

An amusing film, made by Teeny Tiny Films, was shown, featuring children of Escomb Primary School, giving a healthy makeover to an unhealthy lunchbox.

Gerardine O’Connor of the Primary Care Trust, also gave a talk on healthy eating and healthy lifestyle. All the children, who took part, received certificates.

Bishop Barrington food technology teacher, Sarah Robinson, said: “The children really enjoyed the celebration. Everyone had a good time.”

The four Cook It sessions took place after school on Wednesday afternoons. Two sessions were held at Bishop Barrington food technology department, one took place at Escomb School and one at Cockton Hill, with groups of six children from each school taking part.

The sessions have raised the children’s awareness of healthy eating. They have been taught basic cooking skills and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. They made healthy dishes, including a fresh fruit salad and pasta bake, and the primary school pupils have also tasted secondary school life.

Cook It is part of the wider healthy schools’ programme. Keith Taylor, Head Teacher of Escomb Primary School, said: “The project has worked really well and raised the children’s awareness of the importance of healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle. The children have really enjoyed taking part.”

It is hoped to run a similar project in September. “I would like parents to become involved and take part in the sessions,” said Mr Taylor.