PUPILS at Barley First School have been cooking up some treats with the help of a professional chef. Ben Lister, a former Claridges chef, spent the day with children from Years 1 and 2. Head teacher Julie Price said: It was a very enjoyable and exciting

PUPILS at Barley First School have been cooking up some treats with the help of a professional chef.

Ben Lister, a former Claridges chef, spent the day with children from Years 1 and 2.

Head teacher Julie Price said: "It was a very enjoyable and exciting day. The children used food in their different subjects and really had fun.

"Ben really was an inspiring man."

The pupils took part in a number of food tests with Mr Lister, who is from the Adopt-a-Chef scheme.

The children were given three jellies in one experiment, where their assumptions of taste based on what the foods looked like were challenged.

Other tests demonstrated how various parts of the tongue recognise different tastes.

Mr Lister, pictured inset, also made fresh salads with pupils, asking them where each food originated in the world.

At the end of the day the pupils were given their own chef's hats and aprons.

Pictures: DICK HARDING