University of Cumbria is teaming up with 2019 MasterChef champion Irini Tzortzoglou to offer its students an exclusive cookery class series.

‘Uni.Yum’ is a series of six free sessions launching on Wednesday, January 27.

Irini will present a 45-minute session every Wednesday at 6pm from the kitchen of her home near the south Cumbrian village of Cartmel.

After the launch, each session will follow a different theme ranging from cookery basics to nutritional elements such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Via Microsoft Teams, students will be invited to create dishes in real time with Irini and join in live and interactive question and answer sessions.

Irini said: “I am thrilled to be sharing with students some of my cooking knowledge, tips and tricks.

“These are no ordinary cookery classes as Uni.Yum will include advice on shopping, cooking and eating mindfully, aiming for a healthy and happy time on campus and beyond while increasing confidence and creativity.

“Eating food is often also a shared experience and I hope this will give University of Cumbria students across the country and beyond a chance to cook dishes for loved ones and others where that is possible.”

The scheme aims to help students at University of Cumbria learn to cook satisfying and nutritious meals for themselves and others, on a budget and using basic ingredients and equipment.

Dr Signy Henderson, dean for student success at University of Cumbria, said: “The social aspects of university life this year are necessarily different with much more of a focus on staying in and making the most of the home environment.

“Therefore, it is pleasing to see how Uni.Yum will provide students with a creative outlet to try something that’s different and fun, expanding their knowledge about balanced eating and how to use good, simple ingredients to nourish themselves and perhaps share within their household.”