AS parents feasted their eyes on the new school kitchen, a local celebrity declared it officially open.

Chef Eric Paxman cut the ribbon for a state-of-the art kitchen at Lindley Infants School.

In a bid to deliver healthy, fresh meals, the school will no longer have meals transported across from the junior school.

A special team of dedicated staff will use the brand new facility to deliver healthy lunch options to the pupils.

Lindley chef and owner of Eric’s restaurant, Mr Paxman said he was “privileged” to be involved in the opening.

He said: “I was really honoured to have been asked to come to the school.

“It is great that they have got a new kitchen on site as food will no longer have to be brought across.

“It gives the children an opportunity to find out more about their food and it shows that the school is really standing for better healthier food.

“The school have said that with the new kitchen, the children will have a greater say in what they eat, which I think is wonderful.

“When I went to school we had plenty to chose from – including a salad bar.

“I loved school dinners and it is important that the children grow up with a good relationship with food and enjoying healthy food.

“I would love to come along and run a workshop.”

Lindley Infants, which has a Healthy School Standard Gold Award has had an extension to house the impressive stainless steel facility.

With an array of ovens, steamers and a walk in larder, the new facility is fit to feed more than 250 children.

Area catering officer Kirsten Catling said: “This is the last school in Huddersfield South to change from transported meals.

“Last year we changed Netherton and Berry Brow Schools to have their own kitchens, but this is the biggest of them all.”

Headteacher Nicola Beaumont said: “The first meal was cooked in the kitchen last week but we decided to combine the official opening with an Easter Coffee Afternoon so that everybody could get a chance to see the new facility.

“Our cooks have supplied tasters of the new menu and parents and grandparents have had a chance to try what the pupils will be eating.

“This is the first time we have ever had a kitchen and we are delighted.

“The children will now have input into designing their own menus.

“We are very grateful to Eric for coming along and opening it for us. We wanted to keep it in Lindley and promote our wonderful local businesses.