PUPILS at Weaverham Primary Academy have been taught the skills to eat healthily at home after being by a TV chef.

Harry Marquart, a former winner of Irish culinary TV show Head Chef, is responsible for devising the lunch menu for several schools run by North West Academies Trust (NWAT) across Cheshire.

Shortly before children were required to stay at home due to the coronavirus pandemic, he dropped in at the Northwich Road school to talk about the importance of healthy eating.

Now hopes are high that the year five and six pupils are putting what they learned into practice during the current lockdown.

Harry, who also runs restaurants in Liverpool, said: “I was pleased to see the children already knew key aspects of diet, exercise and mindfulness.

Northwich Guardian:

“The class were grouped into five tables - Team Salsa, Team Guacamole, Team Yoghurt, Team Flatbread and Team Marinating - and we put theory into practice and created a ‘healthy takeaway’ which featured meat and vegetarian kebabs.

“Each team was responsible for making an element of the dish, and at the end we all came together to complete the meal.

“We looked at what each of the elements were within the food groups, and the kebabs were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

“I’d love to think the children are continuing to eat well at home wherever possible, it’s just part of looking after ourselves and each other during these challenging times.”

Harry has been cooking at Delamere Academy and Oak View Academy in Winsford for several years, but took over the running of the kitchens at Rudheath Senior Academy and Weaverham when they joined the NWAT just over a year ago.

And his impact has been praised by Weaverham Primary Academy’s executive headteacher Fiona Whittaker.

Northwich Guardian:

She added: “We want the children to learn about and understand good nutrition and the impact it has on their bodies.

“It won’t just help them to learn and concentrate, but it will also to help them enjoy life, stay well and be happy.

“Harry does the most fantastic school dinners and he has a special kind of magic when it comes to getting children to eat lots of vegetables, which he packs into every meal, usually without the children even realising.”