The Secretary of State the Rt Hon Ed Ball MP and Phil have penned a forward for this new schools book to help get young kids into the kitchen.

The cookbook contains 32 classic recipes and sauces, which were chosen by the public. It is aimed at 11-year-olds, to help them learn healthy versions of old favourites, including spaghetti bolognese, risotto, lamb hot pot, lamb rogan josh, roast chicken legs, chow mein, and apple crumble.

Phil says "Cooking is a skill and often it is not learned at an early enough age. Once you can cook the basics you will have the best survival tool in the box to take you into adult life. Eating good quality meals made from basic ingredients should be part of everyone's daily experience and by learning how to prepare simple and nutritious meals we will make this a reality."

It can be downloaded for free from http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk.  Just search for Phil Vickery