PUPILS from a Blaenau Gwent school have enjoyed a visit to a Michelin-starred restaurant restaurant in Monmouthshire as part of a school project.

Chef Chris Harrod, based at The Whitebrook near Monmouth, and forager Henry Ashby, laid on a five-course foraged taster menu for 16 schoolchildren from Coed Y Garn Primary School in Blaina.

The aim was to make the pupils “feel closer to the environment and understand the connection between nature and food”.

The visit also marked the final part of a school project, funded by the Lead Creative Schools Scheme, to promote mindfulness in young learners.

Rachel Jones, the children’s teacher said: “To provide such a rich variety of first hand experiences and watch our learners thrive has been an absolute privilege. Working with The Whitebrook is a unique experience that our children will never forget.”

Mr Harrod described the experience as “extremely fulfilling”, adding: “I’ve always wanted to be a chef since I was seven and these children were in and around that age so it was nice to get them enthusiastic about food.

“We received some lovely comments from them.”