STUDENTS at Hummersknott Academy have celebrated their salad days with a cookery class for senior local councillor.

Councillor Heather Scott, who represents Park West and is leader of the Conservative group on Darlington Borough Council, enjoyed culinary delights served up by students on a food technology course at the school.

Coun Scott is a firm supporter of cooking teaching in schools, arguing that being taught ‘home economics’ will take the focus away from more unhealthy takeaway foods. She also says that buying fresh food and vegetables works out cheaper than a takeaway.

Coun Scott said: “The temptation is always there to have a takeaway rather than cook a meal, but it actually works out cheaper to buy fresh food, which of course is the healthier option. Previous generations have benefitted from when they were taught cooking, so I would like to see more of a presence in schools today.”

She added: “I thoroughly enjoyed the food that was prepared by the students. The students enjoyed making pizza with healthy and fresh ingredients.

“The school has some first-rate food technology facilities, and I am glad to see them being used by students of all ages, gender and abilities.”

At Hummersknott, food technology is compulsory up until the age of 14, which is taught as part of design technology and is optional as a separate subject from the ages of 14-16. Topics covered range from nutrition and food science to food safety and hygiene.