Students are shown a 'pizza' the action

8:20pm Wednesday 19th November 2008

TEENAGERS showed off their culinary skills during a masterclass at the Olive Press in Bolton.

The restaurant, owned by celebrity chef Paul Heathcote, threw open its doors to pupils from Smithills School to give them a taste of life in a professional kitchen.

They were taught how to make pizzas before tucking into the finished product.

The Olive Press sessions will continue throughout the academic year, with the young cooks, who are studying for a BTEC in hospitality, receiving tutorials on healthy eating and local produce.

Lorenzo Francioli, senior head chef at The Olive Press, based in Nelson Square, said: “It is so rewarding to provide the students with an insight into real cooking and how a restaurant functions. Helping them learn and watching their skills progress is just fantastic.”

Student Alice Thornley, aged 15, said:”A career in a restaurant is something I am considering and having a chance to see how one works and talk to professionals will help me in my decision.”