A SCHOOL cookery club has gone from strength-to-strength as pupils seek to recreate the healthy meals they enjoy in the canteen.

Woodham Academy, in Newton Aycliffe, launched the Let’s Get Cooking club five years ago and since then membership has grown significantly.

The school prides itself on the large selection of tasty and nutritious food it serves, with staff and pupils able to tuck into hearty hot meals, salads, jacket potatoes, paninis and wraps.

Ingredients are fresh and sourced locally wherever possible and youngsters are always encouraged to try new dishes and eat their five-a-day.

Catering manager Linda Vipond often asks children for their ideas and the cookery club, which meets after school on Tuesday, is another way of getting youngsters excited about healthy eating.

Mrs Vipond said: “We make a large range of dishes depending on the ability and interests of the children.

“This evening, we will be collecting fruit to make an autumn crumble.

“It is teaching children important life skills and it is good fun too.

“They also get to take what they make home to share with their families.”