YOUNGSTERS and their parents have been taking part in a healthy eating cookery course.

The six-week course at Broom Cottages Primary School, Ferryhill, was organised by school catering company Scolarest.

It was designed to give children the chance to cook balanced dishes with fresh ingredients.

David Riley, Scolarest's development chef for County Durham, was course tutor.

Eleven pupils, aged between five and ten, and parents were involved.

Mr Riley helped the groups make a main course and a pudding.

Among the dishes were homemade fishcakes with Thai noodle salad, sardine and tomato bruschetta and chicken wraps.

"We have had a tremendous positive feedback from our parents and children about this course," said Broom Cottages Primary School's headteacher, Jane Mullaney.

"A real bonus has been that parents tell us children are being much more adventurous with their choices of food at home and are willing to try a greater variety of foods."

Cookery classes are a part of Scolarest's Putting Fun Back into Food campaign, which uses cookery workshops, demonstrations and food tastings to encourage children to eat well.

Mr Riley said: "The idea was to give families the opportunity to cook together and put the focus on healthy eating.

"Getting children cooking is very important as a way of encouraging them to eat well and learn more about good food. We chose simple dishes that are fun to make."