BUDDING young cooks at a Wirral school served up a treat for their fellow students to celebrate International School Meals Day.

Six Year 10 girls from West Kirby Grammar School joined professional chef Daniel Leidstedt to create a Swedish-inspired menu for the school’s staff and pupils.

Georgina Powell, aged 15, said it had been a fantastic experience to watch a top chef in action and get the chance to cook for their school friends.

The girls prepared a series of main meals and sweets including fish and meat dishes popular in Scandinavia.

“I think everyone enjoyed the different menus and I hope we get the chance to introduce new types of food in the future,” said Georgina.

The day was organised by the school’s catering company Sodexo who arranged for Daniel to take time away from his restaurant, close to the Swedish capital, in order to bring some international flavours to school dining halls.

Sodexo North West Manager Mike France said the company’s Global Chef Programme was designed to encourage an appreciation of flavours and tastes from across the world.

Mr Leidstedt said he hoped his visit would inspire school cooks to experiment with different flavours.

He added: “School meals in Sweden don’t have so much choice as you do here and the emphasis tends to be on hot meals and plated food rather than alternative sandwich options. I’ve really enjoyed seeing the differences in menus and hope I’ve also brought the excitement of some Swedish flavours to Merseyside.”

Last year the catering staff at West Kirby were voted the UK’s top team in the Sodexo annual catering and cleaning awards.