A CHORLEY businesswoman has given a new meaning to the term “little chef” after opening a cookery school just for kids.

Chrissie Hirst opened Play Chefs, based at Coppull Enterprise Centre, in August and under her expert supervision three to 11-year-olds can get to grips with mixing, whisking, stirring, kneading, decorating, rolling and, of course, nibbling.

In a series of workshops titled fruit fiesta, cheeky cheese, jolly gingerbread, pizza pizza, cupcake heaven, mini muffin and chocolate heaven, children are taught how to prepare, cook and taste different foods.

Already the innovative idea has proved popular with the county's kids, with hundreds of amateur cooks attending workshops, cookery-themed birthday parties and groups of Brownies and Beavers have even used the experience to gain their cookery badges.

Chrissie has also travelled around local schools brining the cooking experience to the classroom.

Chrissie, 52, has plenty of experience entertaining children, having run Play Mates playcentre for the last 16 years with husband John.

Always on the lookout for new ideas to inspire, educate and entertain children, the former primary school teacher and chef decided to combine her passion for cooking with her teaching skills and Play Chefs was born.

Chrissie said her mission was to make children passionate about food and cooking through fun and learning.

“I brought my own children up the same way that I was, to enjoy baking and making things in the kitchen, but you only have to watch Jamie Oliver on TV to see how many children just aren't taught these skills anymore.

“I believe no child is too young to start learning about food.”

The key to getting children interested in cooking is to make it fun, said Chrissie.

“That way they're learning without realising it because they're having such a good time. There are so many skills involved from reading recipes to weighing ingredients, and the concentration they put in when decorating cookies is incredible.”

Of course, one bonus to using Play Chefs rather than cooking with your child at home is that it limits the mess factor.

“The washing up is incredible,” admitted Chrissie.

“But I think one of the reasons children love cooking so much is because they can get messy.

"And seeing the pride on their faces when they take what they've made home makes it all worthwhile.”

l Play Chefs, Coppull Enterprise Centre, Mill Lane, Coppull, Chorley. Call 01257 470288 or visit www.playchefs.co.uk.