STEVIE Spears, 14, and Natasha Bennett, nine, were among scores of youngsters who were learning how to cook up a tasty, healthy and nutritious dish.

Youngsters aged eight years and upwards descended on Maidendale House in Firthmoor, Darlington, for a cookery lesson with a difference as part of the Easter holiday play scheme.

The boys and girls rustled up some healthy lunchtime food, including homemade soup, while learning about the importance of eating healthily.

Co-ordinator Liz Bennett said: "The youngsters always pile in here with sweets and chocolate, so this way they learn how to make and eat more healthy food.

"It's important that they have the skills to be able to make the right choices with their food."