Children get a pizza the action

YOUNGSTERS from a primary school got a taste of life in a busy professional kitchen when they visited a pizza restaurant as part of their studies.Children from Sir Robert Hitcham Primary School, Debenham, enjoyed their hands-on experience at Pizza Express, Ipswich, and proved there could be some budding chefs emerging from the county.

YOUNGSTERS from a primary school got a taste of life in a busy professional kitchen when they visited a pizza restaurant as part of their studies.

Children from Sir Robert Hitcham Primary School, Debenham, enjoyed their hands-on experience at Pizza Express, Ipswich, and proved there could be some budding chefs emerging from the county.

Patrick Ballanger, of Pizza Express, said the children were shown how to make their own pizzas and were extremely skilled when it came to getting their favourite toppings just right.

"We were able to show the children all the stages involved from making the dough to putting the toppings on.

"It was a real pleasure seeing the children enjoy themselves and learn how food is prepared and stored in a professional kitchen," he said.

Mr Ballanger encouraged the children to learn how to appreciate all the different flavours available and how they have to be carefully balanced to achieve the "perfect result" during the event.

Teacher Ann Gibson said the five and six-year-old pupils had been learning about food technology and had made bread dough in the classroom but relished the chance to work in a proper kitchen.

"Following on from our class work it was a wonderful opportunity to see the professionals at work," she said.

"The children were made extremely welcome at Pizza Express and all have made a pizza that they can take home."