Students from secondary schools in Bushey have picked up pots, pans, and parents for the trial of a new after school cooking program.

Students from Bushey Meads School had the first chance at taking part in the cooking day, filling up their newly opened kitchen and tackling a range of recipes with their mums and dads.

After the trial the county council project, part of the extended schools programme, will move to schools including the Bushey Hall, Falconer and Queens' schools.

Alongside the after-school cooking, Highwood School, Fairfield School and Little Reddings school will welcome chefs and cookbooks for a series of special workshops.

Fozia Ahmed, Extended Schools Co-ordinator for the area, said the programme would eventually benefit everyone in Hertsmere and Hertfordshire bringing lessons in healthy eating to families and also giving parents additional time to spend with their own children in a cooking environment.

A government cookbook made for every Year 7 secondary school student in the country formed the basis of the evenings, running on Tuesdays at Bushey Meads School for now but set to continue for several years in different schools.

Samantha Clarke, who attended the first session with her son Ben, said “We eat healthily at home but there are a lot of families that do not and it is brilliant to have something that teaches them about healthy eating and a balanced diet.”

As an impressed Ben looked over the recipe for fajitas and gave his nod of approval to the scheme his mother added that it was a good way to get him more involved in something that was often done away from him at home.

She said: “It's a great opportunity for us to do something together, something we normally wouldn't do.”

For more information about the scheme telephone Fozia Ahmed on 07533 339432