A Northumberland school welcomed a renowned chef as a special guest for their first 'foodie fortnight.'

Cal Byerley, chef and owner of Michelin-starred and Michelin Green-starred Restaurant Pine, along with specialist grower Dan Clark, visited Wylam First School on September 30.

The school's 'foodie fortnight' is a celebration linked to the Harvest Festival.

During the visit, the duo engaged with pupils, discussing the school allotment project, seasonal growing, composting, and favourite foods.

They also shared insights into the types of dishes that could be created using fresh produce from the allotment.

The students were given some hints and tips in preparation for the school's 'tiny tasters' cookery sessions, where each year group will harvest crops and create healthy, seasonal dishes.

The pair donated edible plants to the school (Image: Pine) The aim is to encourage students to consider how they grew and cared for their produce, which includes leeks, potatoes, carrots, courgettes, and orchard fruit.

The pair also donated several edible plants to the allotment, including lemon verbena, which they helped some year four pupils plant.

Mr Byerley said: "It’s really important to encourage the next generation to think about food, where it comes from, how it's grown and then cooked.

"We’ve all got to play our part in reducing food miles and supporting our local food economy, and one of the best ways of doing that is by providing youngsters with the information and skills to be able to make informed decisions for themselves.

"Involving pupils in the whole growing cycle not only equips them with invaluable skills but also encourages them to live healthy and active lives as they develop into future adults."

Wylam First School has a long-standing interest in food and sustainability.

They established a community orchard group leading to the planting of 85 fruit trees, including 25 varieties of apple, in 2011.

They also have a 1.6-acre wild-flower meadow and an allotment space created in 2020 for experiential outdoor learning.

Headteacher Jill Dodds said: "Our children love being outside.

"Mrs Gibbon created the allotment which provided us with the perfect opportunity to create a bespoke curriculum for our allotment. 

"With the support of Paul Mordue from Wild About Adventure, each year the children move through the school with a different responsibility for the allotment, from Early Years planting and tending to seed, to Year 4 who harvest the produce and lead our Harvest Festival.

"This opportunity to work with Pine and the Wylam First Foodie Fortnight planned and run by our amazing PTA, enriches the children’s understanding of where food comes from and what it can be made into.

"We are very thankful to the team from Pine for taking time out of their busy schedule to come and visit us and we would love to return the visit by visiting them and seeing them in action.“