Young people from Barnet got a taste of celebrity when they enjoyed a cooking lesson with television presenter Ben Shephard yesterday.

The 16 to 25-year-olds, from charity Kids Count, were shown how to prepare a shepherd’s pie as part of a national campaign to improve young people’s cooking skills

Kids Count aims to engage with young people to tackle youth problems including knife crime and anti-social behaviour.

More than ten budding Barnet chefs travelled to West Herts College in Watford to take part in the 5by25 competition.

Meat supplier Red Tractor has put on the contest, encouraging young people to master at least five simple dishes by the age of 25.

Ben Shephard and Edwina Currie are travelling the south and north of the country respectively, teaching young people how to cook the dishes matching their names.

The winner will be the celebrity with the most votes at the end of an online competition.