Members of the 12th Watford St Luke's Brownies aiming to win their "Cook" badges enjoyed two culinary evenings at John Lewis Watford last week.

The cooking classes were run by the department store as part of its ‘Bringing Skills to Life’ scheme which encourages children to explore, imagine and create, while equipping them with many life skills.

Guided by the John Lewis Watford head chef Cesare Cainaniello, the 25 Brownies, along with the Brownie helpers and partners, learnt how to make tasty treats including muffins and fruit salads.

To earn their badge the Brownies had to demonstrate how to keep safe in the kitchen, handle utensils safely and explain the basics of food hygiene.

Jonathan Field, managing director at John Lewis Watford, said: "We were delighted to have the chance to support the 12th Watford St Luke’s Brownies with their Cook badge and take them through the basics of food safety and hygiene, as well as cooking up some delicious snacks.

Watford Observer:

"Our aim with the Bringing Skills to Life education programme is to encourage children’s practical skills through fun and interesting activities, and these events did just that. We look forward to helping others and these community groups do the same in the future."

Brownie leader Fran Swallow said: "The Brownies have been looking forward to completing their Cook badge for a while now so we’re thrilled to have had John Lewis’s help in achieving this goal.

"The evenings were a great success with the girls honing their cookery skills and learning new talents they can take away to share with family and friends."