A group of Moray youngsters began their summer holidays by going back to school – but only for classes in cooking.
About 20 pupils from Keith’s St Thomas Primary School are taking part in a project aimed at teaching them new recipes, and improving their eating habits.
The three-day scheme was launched yesterday morning, and will continue with sessions tomorrow and Friday.
The children, aged from P1 to P7, wore paper chef hats to get them in the mood for the culinary challenge.
They were split into five groups, with each focussing on a different part of a hearty lunch that the youngsters would later tuck into.
Some prepared a starter of chicken noodle soup, while others made pasta in a tomato sauce, a herby chicken dish and couscous with different vegetables.
One group made a mouthwatering batch of muffins, featuring raspberry, toffee and lemon versions.
By noon, tempting smells were wafting from the Chapel Street building and lunch was handed out.
To celebrate Liam Kelly’s 10th birthday, a candle was placed in the muffin he was served and his schoolmates sang Happy Birthday to him.
Speaking afterwards, Keith 10-year-old Harry Nicol said the experience had encouraged him to try making different meals at home with his mum.
Ellie-May Macintosh, 12, added: “I like cooking cakes at home, and I want to keep learning new things.”
Six-year-old Caiden Scott conceded that making the pasta had been “a little bit difficult” for him, but said he enjoyed eating it.
On Friday, the children’s family members will be invited to the school to sample some of the delicacies the group has perfected.
Headteacher, Marion Given, said that a second course of sessions was planned for later this month.
She added: “We were granted £900 in government funding for this, and it’s something we are keen to continue every summer.
“It is all about building good eating habits in our young people.”
Moray Council’s operations support officer, Susan May, helped out and was among the first to polish off her main course.
After thanking the children for the tasty meal, she explained that the lessons were focussed on inexpensive and relatively easy recipes that they can try again at home.