TALENTED young chef Lily O’Reilly helped cook up a storm for her fellow pupils in her school kitchen.

The eight-year-old was the winner in a competition to become ‘cook for the day’ as part of the regular promotional activities organised by Sunderland City Council to get more pupils having school meals.

The year four pupil, from Dame Dorothy School, in Monkwearmouth, joined kitchen staff led by school cook Mariangela Volpe to plan Friday’s menu, prepare the food and then serve it to her classmates at lunchtime.

Lily said: “I was very excited but also nervous. I didn’t want to set the fire alarm off in the school by burning the pizza.”

The jungle themed menu include Hakuna Matata Wrap with Orangatan Dip, Fish and Chimps and Tiger Sponge with Amazon Custard.

Headteacher Mr Iain Williamson said: “Not only do these theme days help to increase school meal uptake and encourage a nutritionally balanced diet, it provides something a little bit out of the ordinary which the children love.”