FORMER Ballakermeen School student Kevin Woodford turned back the clock today when the celebrity chef visited his former school’s kitchens.

Kevin was at the school he attended in the 60s to put his stamp of approval on the dishes created for the students of the school.

The Manx born celebrity, who has appeared on numerous TV cookery programmes and written a number of books, is a member of the Board of Governors at the Douglas school and whilst he has spent the last three years supporting the academic achievements of Ballakermeen this was the first time that he was given a chance to see, at first hand, what happens in the kitchens.

Kevin said, “As an old boy of ‘Balla’ and St Ninians I was delighted to be appointed as a Governor of both schools and the Island can be justifiably proud of the standard of education that is offered to our children, and especially proud of the academic standards that are achieved.

“With regards to the food served at Ballakermeen, it really leaves the UK standing. Ballakermeen uses freshly sourced products and offers a wide and varied range of dishes, taking into consideration dietary and cultural needs. It’s just a pity that the canteen isn't open to the public!”

Students Tolu Said, James Crook, Ellisha Busby and Cameron Scott also voted the meals a hit. “They’re really tasty and we know they’re healthy, too,” said James. “I eat here every day. There’s always a good choice,” said Ellisha.

Kevin recently co-produced and played the lead character in a 104 part children's cookery adventure series called 'Planet Cook' which has proved a huge hit across Australia.

The recipes he created for the show were approved by the Food Standards Agency and the spin off is an interactive, web-based education resource which now forms part of the curriculum in many schools across the UK.

Ballakermeen kitchens provide hot meals, sandwiches and snacks daily for the school’s 1,600 students and staff and cater for other events such as the annual Manx Higher Education Conference.