Celebrity cook Crystelle Pereira has given pupils at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Stoke-on-Trent their own cooking demonstration after they won a competition run by kitchen appliances firm Russell Hobbs and the charity Action Against Hunger.

The school won the competition organised by the firm and charity to raise awareness of the importance of food education. Pupils nationwide were asked to design a ‘plate for change’ to win free educational materials for their school and a visit from Pereira.

The winning entry was by St Mary’s pupils Silas, age 8, who also received a Russell Hobbs ice-cream maker, supermarket vouchers and a copy of Crystelle’s Flavour Kitchen cookbook.

Also, the winning design was “brought to life on a ceramic plate”, said Russell Hobbs.

Pereira said: “It was a real privilege to spend time with the students at St Mary’s and see their enthusiasm for food and cooking firsthand. Learning how to cook is one of the most valuable skills a young person can develop – it builds confidence, creativity and a better understanding of nutrition.

“What I loved most about this initiative is that it encourages children to think not only about the food on their own plates, but also about the wider issues surrounding hunger and access to nutritious food around the world.

“The students brought so much energy and curiosity to the session, and I hope they leave feeling inspired to keep exploring, creating and enjoying food for years to come.”

The competition is part of a three-year partnership with Action Against Hunger. During this time it is committed to raising £270,000 for the charity.

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