A CLASS of youngsters impressed a top chef with their culinary skills after a visit to an award-winning restaurant.

The reception class at Masham Church of England Primary School went to Vennell’s restaurant in the North Yorkshire town on Wednesday [May 15], where chef and owner Jon Vennell showed the 17 four and five-year-olds how to make fresh ravioli, and a honeycomb topping for ice-cream.

The pupils enjoyed the visit as part of a chef week in school, looking at different professions the children might like to be when they grow up.

The children sampled pea and ham soup, chicken ravioli, vanilla ice cream with honeycomb topping.

Mr Vennell, whose daughter Peggy, five, was among the visitors, said: “It was really great to offer the children an insight into this great industry.

“Their faces showed such enthusiasm at so many points during the lunch, especially when my live lobsters arrived from the fish merchant.”

Teacher Viv Carr added: “It is wonderful for our children to have the opportunity for such hands-on learning.”

On the same day last week, guests joined Mr Vennell and his wife Laura to raise £519 for Masham’s Acorns Pre-School with a charity night.

For more information on Vennell’s, Masham, contact 01765-689000 or vennellsrestaurant.co.uk.