MIDDLEWICH pupils rolled up their sleeves to learn the art of breadmaking from a seasoned pro this week.

Paul Graves, who has worked for Roberts Bakery for 34 years, paid a visit St Mary’s Primary School to teach 29 Year 6 children how to mix, knead and shape dough to create a tasty loaf.

The visit formed part of the school’s science project, which has focused on the properties of materials and how they change.

Katherine Green, Year 6 teacher at St Mary’s, said: “This was a superb visit and the children were really excited to meet Paul and learn his expert baking techniques.

“It was a great experience for them to make a loaf that looked and smelled so delicious and to learn about how a successful local manufacturing business works.

“It was terrific to integrate this into their learning and the children have built on many of their skills.”

Paul also shared the history of 130-year-old family business Roberts Bakery, which sells more than two million loaves a week from its iconic Rudheath hub.

He explained where the ingredients in bread come from, how bread is manufactured on a large scale and how it reaches supermarket shelves.

Without even having to leave their classroom, the children also saw inside Roberts’ state-of-the-art bakery, which supplies bread throughout the region and beyond.

Paul said: “It’s fantastic to inspire youngsters to roll their sleeves up and have a go at making their own bread. The children learnt that it’s easy and fun to make a tasty loaf from just a few in ingredients.

“Some children don’t get the chance to bake at home, so this visit has given them new baking skills and the confidence give it a try."