YOUNGSTERS rose to the challenge of learning how to make the perfect loaf of bread.

Pupils at St Stephen’s Kearsley Moor CE Primary School were visited by regional family bakers Roberts Bakery and guided through every stage of the breadmaking process.

Dressed in their Roberts Bakery aprons and hairnets caps, the budding bakers were shown the craft of mixing, kneading and shaping by Keith Birkett and Wayne Hewitt from the bakery.

Natalie Stokes, a Year Two class teacher, said: “The children were thrilled to take part in this excit- ing bread-making masterclass.

“It was great fun for them to get stuck into making the bread and they were so proud to produce loaves that looked and smelled so delicious.

“Some of our children don’t have the opportunity to bake much at home, so it was lovely for them to experience the sight, feel, smell and, of course, taste of something they had baked themselves.”

Mr Birkett said: “Sadly, bread-making is a declining art form. We wanted to show the children that it is easy and great fun to make a really tasty loaf from just a few ingredients.

“This visit was really enjoyable, and it was also very worthwhile in educating them about how bread is manufactured, how it reaches our shelves and how it can contribute to a healthy lifestyle.”

The bakery’s visit was part of the Year Two pupils’ science curriculum, in which pupils have been learning about healthy eating and lifestyle choices.

In addition to the breadmaking demonstration, the children were given a virtual tour of Roberts’ state-of-the-art bakery, which makes 87 million loaves a year and supplies bread throughout the region.