Lexington's Rob Kirby writes charity cookbook for Great Ormond Street

Rob Kirby, chef-director of Lexington Catering, has written a cookery book for children, with all royalties going to the Great Ormond Street Hospital school.

Cook With Kids features 40 full-colour recipes. It is designed for parents to cook with their children.

"I have cooked at the Children's Hospital School at Great Ormond Street for 10 years via the Academy of Culinary Arts' Chefs Adopt a School scheme. It's a truly unique experience every time I go there and certainly one of the nicest parts of my career. I wanted to put a beautiful, stylish and fun book together that featured parents cooking with their kids using my recipes."

Kirby said that he hoped the book would pull families together during these busy times and that it would teach children at an early age one of the most important skills for life.

"I would like to thank Lexington for allowing me the time and support to produce such an amazing book and also to Absolute Press for commissioning and embracing the look and feel that I envisaged," he added.

"The school is so close to my heart as I have seen the power of food lift them out of the hospital environment and take them to a ‘normal', happy and fun place, The team are amazing at the school, are so passionate and care so much about giving the children an education while at the hospital."

Recipes in the hardback book include buttermilk breaded chicken bucket, big Smartie cookies, Chelsea pizza bread and shortbread stars. It is due to be published in September, priced at £9.99.

The Chefs Adopt a School programme reaches more than 21,000 children every year in schools up and down the country.

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By Amanda Afiya

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