TV master chef James Martin turned up the heat in a farmhouse kitchen when he launched a cookery school. Mr Martin lifted the lid on the opening lessons of the Adventure Gourmet Cookery School at Greenfield Farm, Ickwell, the home of Nick and Liz Burman,

TV master chef James Martin turned up the heat in a farmhouse kitchen when he launched a cookery school.

Mr Martin lifted the lid on the opening lessons of the Adventure Gourmet Cookery School at Greenfield Farm, Ickwell, the home of Nick and Liz Burman, on Thursday.

A regular of the Ready Steady Cook team whose popularity soared following his diversion into ballroom dancing, Mr Martin delighted his audience with his mischievous sense of humour and mouth-watering recipes including herb-crusted rack of lamb, baked chocolate and anise mousse and his amazing 10-minute strawberry gateau which proved that spectacular dishes do not mean spending hours in the kitchen.

He also showed how to make the perfect Yorkshire pudding with his grandmother's own recipe.

Peter Hazzard, the school's resident chef, said: "James was a tremendous success as not only is he a very talented chef, he is also a great communicator.

"Everyone should feel comfortable about producing the dishes he demonstrated."

More great chefs are booked for the cookery school. For more information, log on to their website on www.adventuregourmet.com or call Liz, Nick or Peter on 01767 627101.