YOUNGSTERS learned how to cook healthy and tasty food yesterday.

Children aged eight and over visited Maidendale House, in Firthmoor, Darlington, for a cookery lesson with a difference as part of the Easter holiday play scheme. The boys and girls produced healthy lunch-time food, including home-made soup, while learning about the importance of eating healthily.

Play worker 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.

"I think it is important that they have the skills to be able to make the right choices with their food."