THE HEAD chef at a restaurant in North Petherton headed to a school in Taunton to help children make French desserts.

Olivier Certain, who works at Clavelshay Barn Restaurant, visited Priorswood Primary School and helped youngsters create madeleine cakes and fruit tarts.

Olivier, who was born in Marseille, said: "I had a great time teaching the children how to make some typical French desserts.

"It’s great to encourage youngsters to get creative in the kitchen while also giving them the chance to learn about popular dishes from other countries.

"I think it is so important to also give them the opportunity to try different foods.

"The madeleines and fruit tarts were a huge hit with the schoolchildren and their parents and I hope they will try to make them at home."

Class teacher, Jenny Lacy, said: "It was wonderful for the children to get top tips from such a talented local chef and we had a thoroughly fascinating and inspiring morning."

Clavelshay Barn Restaurant is set within a restored and converted 18th century stone barn at the foot of the Quantock Hills.

The restaurant uses its own milk, beef, pork, lamb and eggs in its dishes.

The restaurant’s co-owner, Sue Milverton, said: "At Clavelshay we also strive to use as much produce as possible from the farm and the surrounding countryside.

"We use our own pork, rose veal, wild rabbit, pigeon, pheasant and our own farm-reared beef on the menu.

"We have a walled garden where we grow salad leaves, herbs, soft fruit and vegetables.

"If it is not possible to use our own produce, we only use local suppliers who can provide us with quality local produce which is fully traceable."