Hundreds of schoolchildren from across the district were treated to a taste of the Caribbean as part of a project to broaden students’ cultural experiences.

The collaboration between Bradford Academy, University Academy Keighley, Holy Family Catholic School and Ilkley Grammar School saw groups of students from each school joining Caribbean cooks at UAK.

They spent a day preparing fried plantain, jerk chicken, johnnycakes, salt-fish and Jamaican ginger cake.

The last lesson of the day was then given over to the ‘Caribbean vibe’, with participants sampling good food, fruit punch and music at UAK’s very own Caribbean cafe.

Lead behaviour director, Phil Allen, said: “We want to nurture a positive and diverse culture amongst local schools and to broaden students’ cultural experiences. And as October is Black History Month what better way to do that than with a Caribbean party?”

Natalie Jones, from Bradford Academy, gave students the benefits of her culinary expertise, guiding them through exciting new recipes. The pupils used, what were for many of them, unfamiliar ingredients to produce the colossal amounts needed for a party of 600.