The heat was on for year five and six pupils at Jurby Community School when they were visited by Kumar Menon of Leela’s Kitchen.

Kumar was invited to the school to talk to the nine- to 11-year-old children about India and Indian food, to bring to life what the pupils have been learning about this term.

Kumar grew up in Kerala and moved to the island in 2003 as a catering student. He set up Leela’s Kitchen in 2011 to offer healthy Indian cookery workshops.

The business has grown and he now also offers tailor-made dinner parties, bespoke marinated meats and award winning premium spices, many of which are family recipes.

During his visit to the school, Kumar showed the children how to make onion bahjis and taught them how to make a simple chicken curry.

The children each received a tub of Leela’s Kitchen mild curry powder so they could go home and try making their own curry.

Class teacher Jillian Cranmer said: ’We are so grateful to Kumar for coming to cook for us.

’The children were fascinated by stories of his childhood in India, and they all left ready to try making their own curry.’

Kumar said: ’I am sure that my visit will encourage our next generation to cook, and I’m really hoping to continue spreading the benefits of home cooking.’

The school thanked Harrison and Garrett Butchers who kindly donated the chicken for the curry, and Kumar for giving his time and the rest of the ingredients for free.

Leela’s Kitchen is named in memory of Kumar’s late grandmother.