Two Menston mums are inspiring children to cook for themselves with a new business teaching them the fun side of nutrition and healthy eating.

Mighty Chefs, a new business based in Wharfedale area, organises after-school cooking lessons, holiday workshops and children’s cookery birthday parties at home or at a hired venue.

Its founders both have a strong career background in food and education.

Lisa McLoughlin, a mum-of-three, has been giving cookery classes as part of the Jamie Oliver Ministry of Food project in Bradford since the project began four years ago.

Prior to this, she worked on other national health promotion initiatives, including weight management programmes for adults and children.

Emily Robinson, who also has three children of her own, has spent more than 16 years working in primary school and pre-schools. She has particular expertise working with children with special educational and additional needs.

Mrs Robinson, 33, said: “We want to inspire children to start cooking from an early age.

“Our cookery classes introduce and develop this key skill, bringing the concepts of nutrition and healthy choices to life in a practical, hands-on and fun way.”

The classes enable children to develop confidence and excitement of real food. They learn to make pasta sauces from scratch, sweet muffins and cakes containing vegetables, and home-made pizza dough.”

Since its launch, Mighty Chefs have been involved in events and teaching at Menston Primary School, Burley Oaks Primary School, Otley All Saints C of E, Menston Cubs, Menston and Yeadon Rainbows, Little School in Burley-in-Wharfedale, and Menston Pre-school – in addition to delivering a number of private cooking parties for children between the ages of six to 16.

Mighty Chefs will be offering cooking workshops for children aged five to 15 years at Queens Hall in Burley-in-Wharfedale during the Easter holidays.

A regular Saturday morning cooking club at Queens Hall is also ready for launch from May 2014.

Visit mightychefs.co.uk to find out more.