HUNDREDS of youngsters have been given the chance to try their hand at cooking healthy, tasty meals as part of a North-East food fair taking place this weekend.

Organisers behind Bishop Auckland Food Festival have been drumming up support ahead of its arrival tomorrow by equipping primary school children, college-goers and members of the community with the knowledge and skills to lead a healthy life.

Chefs Anjula Devi and Chris Bavin have been leading outreach sessions held over four days across South Durham. Debbie Connell, of Durham County Council’s arts team, said: “We targeted schools within walking distance to our venues so as well as passing on a healthy eating message we were also encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

“It’s been about healthy eating, your five a day and inspiring children to try different things that they might not ordinarily try.

“They have had the chance to prepare, cook and taste things and take recipes home to teach their parents to make which are really simple, basic, tasty and healthy foods.”

Mr Bavin, who founded his own retail business The Naked Grocer, had television success with programmes including Eat Well for Less and The Truth about Meat.

He was also recently announced as a judge alongside Mary Berry and Dan Doherty on the BBC show Britain’s Best Cook, due to air next month.

On Tuesday and Wednesday Mr Bavin was on hand to teach youngsters in Spennymoor and Coundon about the life of fruit and vegetables, from plot to plate.

And yesterday and today, Mrs Devi was in Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland to educate youngsters about making cost effective dishes which are delicious, easy to make and healthy.

A brand ambassador for the world’s largest Indian food company TRS Foods, Mrs Devi owns her own Indian cookery school in London and is passionate about natural spices.

Between the chefs, who will be appearing on the live stage in the Market Place at the festival, starting tomorrow, they have come into contact with more than 200 children from nine primary schools and Bishop Auckland College.

They have also been engaging with members of the community during free demonstrations held this week in Coundon, Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland.

Bev Channell, events manager, said: “We’ve been trying to bring new and exciting food experiences to the whole community.”