REPRESENTATIVES from schools across Dorset cooked up a storm at Dorchester’s Corn Exchange as they picked up culinary tips to share with children.

The event was part of the Let’s Get Cooking initiative, which has seen cooking clubs for children and parents set up across the country.

More than 20 adults from 12 Dorset schools took part in the hands-on cooking session with the team from the Let’s Get Cooking scheme.

Mini pancakes, fajitas, minestrone soup, pesto and barbecue sauce were all on the menu and the cooks were also shown how to make gingerbread biscuits to sell at fundraising events.

Natalie Greenslade, regional club co-ordinator for Let’s Get Cooking, said: “Let’s Get Cooking clubs across the South West are full of enthusiasm and we wanted to really celebrate and share some of the great cooking activities that they have held over the last year involving pupils, parents and people from their local communities.

“As well as being a chance to celebrate the achievements of their Let’s Get Cooking clubs, and take part in practical sessions to help them get the most out of their Let’s Get Cooking club, today’s event is a great chance for schools to network, and share tips.”

Let’s Get Cooking clubs are designed to give children and non-cooking parents the skills and confidence to cook simple, nutritious and tasty meals from scratch.

Mrs Greenslade said: “It’s really achievable cooking, anybody can cook these things.

“These people have already had money and training to run their clubs and they get all the Let’s Get Cooking recipes and access to our website and they just go out there and inspire parents and young people to cook.

“This is just an opportunity to get them back and share ideas and see how the clubs are going.”

Among the adults at the event were those who run clubs at St Mary’s First School in Charminster, St Osmund’s Middle School in Dorchester, St Mary’s Middle School in Puddletown, Thorner’s Primary School in Litton Cheney, Symondsbury Primary School and Cheselbourne Village School.

Catherine Chandler from St Mary’s Middle School in Puddletown said: “It’s nice to mix with other people who are doing it.

“The kids absolutely love the club, they are queuing up to do it.”

Jill Neill from Thorner’s Primary School added: “The kids have really loved it.

“We have mostly boys doing ours and it’s an excellent skill for them to learn.”

For more information about Let’s Get Cooking visit letsgetcooking.org.uk