CASTERTON schoolgirls perfected their pizza making skills during an Italian-themed cookery session.

Year Eight pupils visited the Pizza Express restaurant in Kendal’s Wainwright’s Yard as part of their Active Kids Get Cooking Award, learning about Italian food from head chef Dane Swart.

After a morning spent tasting new foods, spinning doughs and baking pizzas the girls sat down to lunch made by their own hands.

Val Parkinson, head of food at the school, said: “It was a super day and Pizza Express really put themselves out to develop an exciting experience. It made cooking come alive and showed the girls the reality of preparing food beyond the classroom.”

The Italian food session was the final part of the girls’ silver award, which will be presented at the end of year assembly.