School's joy in chef competition

Peter Gorton hopes it will be the start of a long-running scheme

A Devon celebrity chef has announced the name of the school he is going to adopt for a year.

Peter Gorton, from the Horn of Plenty at Gulworthy, invited applications last December from Plymouth schools who wanted to be taken under his wing.

Fifty-five of the city's schools applied to take part and were narrowed down to three and Compton C of E Primary school has now been selected.

"I just can't wait to get stuck in," said Mr Gorton.

Mr Gorton said he was impressed by all three finalists - Compton, Chaucer Primary School and Estover Primary School - but Compton's "togetherness" was what tipped the balance in their favour.

"They really wanted it to happen," he said.

Mr Gorton is planning to get involved wholeheartedly in the life of the school and will be offering advice about ingredients and nutrition.

This is not just about school dinners Peter Gorton Chef cooks up interest in food

"But this is not just about school dinners," he said.

"I want to be involved with the whole curriculum."

He also wants to raise money for the school with special food events and to help introduce a cookery element into less obvious subjects, like history.

Some of the school's pupils will even get to see his own kitchen at the Horn of Plenty.

"We are absolutely over the moon," said Steve Cleave, Compton's head teacher.

"It will enrich our curriculum, raise financial input and make our school a healthier place, it's quite an achievement."

Mr Gorton says he has had enquiries from around the world about the scheme and is hoping, if it proves successful, to expand the project in the coming years.