Ministry of Food on a roll.

On Saturday and Sunday, July 30 and 31, staff from the innovative Town Centre project will be putting on a comprehensive programme of cookery events at the new Megastore's state-of-the-art kitchen.

In collaboration with Rotherham College's catering department, local chefs and suppliers, the Ministry of Food will be holding cookery sessions, demonstrations, tastings  as well as master classes.

The weekend will be the first of regular events between the newly refurbished store and the project, which was established three years ago by celebrity chef and healthy food campaigner Jamie Oliver.

The project is now a Social Enterprise - a not-for-profit organisation - that is still supported by the chef and his team as well as Rotherham Borough Council, the NHS and Voluntary Action Rotherham.

"We are always looking at ways to expand our business," said MoF manager, Jan Davies. "So it was wonderful when we were approached by Curry's to organise events in their new amazing kitchen. They have also kindly donated electrical equipment to be used as prizes for our third birthday party next month."

On Wednesday, August 17, the project will be holding a fun day in Rotherham's All Saints Square with cooking demonstrations and activities for children.

Children and young people play a key part in the recent developments for the scheme. Recently-introduced children's birthday parties are proving to be popular. So much so, that similar parties are now being introduced for adults, who are looking to celebrate a special occasion in a unique way.

The scheme also offers volunteering opportunities and work experience placements for secondary school students and people wanting to enhance their CV and improve their employability.

"The MoF is thriving - a real recipe for success,"  added Jan. "Financially we are independent and all our income comes from the fees we charge, income we earn through food sales and any funding grants we attract.

"However, our vision continues to try and make Rotherham and South Yorkshire a healthier place to live. We can do this by showing children and adults how to cook healthy, tasty meals, quickly, simply and economically, using fresh, seasonal ingredients from local suppliers.

"We work closely with the NHS promoting the benefits of healthy eating, working particularly with people who live in some of the poorest areas in the country.   We can help to transform peoples' lives because eating more healthily really does improves health and wellbeing.

"We also work closely with schools, children's' centres, community groups and businesses in Rotherham and throughout the county providing fun cooking sessions in easy, bite-size chunks."

The Summer Cook Clubs are now also up and running. For only £6.00, anyone can learn how to make delicious meals like fajitas, meatballs, pasta dishes and even a roast chicken dinner. These run alongside the ten-week cookery courses, which also £6.00.

The services are delivered by a friendly, professional team, which is experienced in working with children and adults from all backgrounds and abilities

If you would like to sign up for one of the classes or courses or want to find out more about the services we offer, please pop in, call 01709 365944 or email jan.davies@rotherham.gov.uk