A CELEBRITY chef cooked up a storm and a whole lot more when he visited a Hitchin school last week.

Paul Hollywood, a judge on The Great British Bake Off and a regular contributor to BBC Food recipes, paid a visit to Hitchin Girls’ School on Wednesday.

He showed a group of A Level students how to make bread and scones, which were then sampled by the youngsters afterwards.

“This was a great opportunity for our students to pick up tips from a leading UK Partisan Baker, and witness first hand the difference between mass produced bread and a traditional loaf,” said Rachel Richards, head of Design and Technology at the school.

“Paul also shared much anecdotal knowledge regarding employment opportunities within the food industry and a vast knowledge of baking and breads from around the world.”

The visit was part of a follow up prize for teacher Simon Ferguson, who was also awarded �1,800 for winning a food competition last year.

“As a baker, I strongly support schools teaching children how to cook,” said Paul.

“Understanding what goes into food is of vital importance as the skills and knowledge last a lifetime.

“Bread and bakery goods are eaten everyday by nearly all households so they are among the most useful cookery skills to teach.”