A VIP cookery class taught primary school pupils the basics of Indian cuisine.

Year 3 and 4 pupils at Broad Hinton Primary School were wowed by chefs at Ganges restaurant in Royal Wootton Bassett.

And to top off learning about Indian culture in school they were shown how to make a classic chicken korma from scratch and a naan, cooked fresh on the side of the clay tandoor oven.

The behind-the-scenes lesson with 27 pupils, split in two groups, taught them the origins of the spices, how to make a basic curry paste, and the traditional way of marinating chicken.

Afterwards they sat down to a private banquet and enjoyed a grown-up meal without their parents – all provided for free by the curry house, which won a Wiltshire Business award last year.

Jamie, who is in Year 4 at the school, told the Adver: “It was nice because they let us smell all the flavours and spices. It’s quite amazing how they make all of it.”

Manager Mijan Chowdhury said the restaurant had been inviting local pupils in for the past 15 years to show its appreciation to the community.

“We have been here 26 years now and the community has been supporting us all this time so what better way of giving back,” he said. “It’s about showing them the hard work that goes into it so they can appreciate it when they are eating it.

“It’s introducing them to the spices, getting them to have a look and see it first hand to experience all the smells and textures of Indian cookery. It’s a behind-the-scenes VIP pass.

“They were all very interested in it and they tasted everything and asked questions which is great."

He added: “They got to see our special clay tandoor oven.”

Parent Karen Whittle said: “It was good to encourage them to try new things. My daughter hasn’t tried a curry like this before.

“They benefit from the experience a lot and to take them out of the classroom and learn something practical is very beneficial.

“It’s a life skill to be able to cook for themselves, rather than just taking something out of the fridge.”

Teacher Patrina Foulatier added: “They have been so excited about coming to a restaurant all by themselves without their parents!”