NEWPORT primary school children visited an Italian restaurant in the city yesterday to get a flavour of working in the catering industry.

Around 26 children from St Michael’s Primary School in Newport visited Gemelli Restaurant, at Newport Retail Park.

This was as part of Healthy Living Week which runs from June 23.

The class of year four children aged eight to nine years-old were taken to the restaurant by teacher Vikki Brustav.

She said the pupils had a “fantastic time”.

“The trip was organised by the healthy living coordinator as part of Healthy Living Week later this month,” Mrs Brustav said.

“The children learnt how to work in a restaurant and it was fantastic day.

“When they came in, restaurant owner Pasquale Cinotti greeted us and sat us at the back of the restaurant and gave the children the opportunity to work the till, put on the uniforms and some of the children even served the public.

“They also took part in cleaning the tables, took orders and put them through the till.

“It was a great opportunity for them to see what it is like to work in the catering industry.

“They all loved it and their manners were impeccable.”

Mrs Brustav said that the children really got into the role and the pupils also had the opportunity to sample some of the food and drink on offer.

This was the second time the school had taken a group to the restaurant and staff are now planning to take another class next year with a more business-themed approach to the day.