ANYONE who ever criticises local schools for failing to teach practical skills should have joined me at Bolton St Catherine’s Academy last week.

Year 10’s GCSE Hospitality group was showing off its many skills by producing a three-course meal suitable for a charity/fundraising event.

Students had to plan, prepare, cook and serve the meal and clean the restaurant and kitchen afterwards. The place was both spotless and beautifully inviting.

A warming, spicy soup was followed by a choice of main courses and I went for the salmon, an absolutely delicious seared piece of fish served with crunchy vegetables. Dessert was straight out of Cheesecake Heaven.

The service was excellent – polite and efficient – and the whole experience very enjoyable. Congratulations to staff Mr Scott Reynard and Mr Steven Davies and to students Mya Williamson, Nathaniel Fogerty, Adam Holroyd, Ben Bird, Abi Bown and Calvin Bailey. Adam Webber provided the photographic evidence.