IT’S time to go back to school for Helensburgh’s star baker Melanie Andrews.

Not everyone can say that a conversation with the next in line to the throne inspired a new cookery school venture but that’s just what happened to the established baker and businesswoman.

Melanie met HRH Prince Charles last September at an event held in Dumfries House, Ayrshire, aimed at encouraging more ways for 16 to 25-year-olds to get involved in industry and apprenticeships.

It was through her discussions with the royal that she was inspired to establish a free cookery school in her Craigard Tearooms to teach youngsters not only cooking and baking techniques but also real life skills.

With more than 40 years of baking experience, 25 of which in a professional capacity, Melanie has a wealth of experience in the industry and she is delighted to already share at her adult cookery classes and is excited to share her knowledge with the next generation.

Targeted at youngsters aged between 12 and 16, the classes, which will run over six weeks, will result in students walking away with both new talents as well as a certificate.

The first class kicked off on February 5 and speaking ahead of the event Melanie told the Advertiser she was looking forward to meeting her first batch of students. She said: “I’m really looking forward to the first class. The idea of setting up the cookery school came after I met HRH Prince Charles at an event in Dumfries House.

“We were talking about the importance of teaching young people life skills and I thought I would try and do my part and try it in Helensburgh.

“When I was younger we had classes in fashion fabrics, wood work and cookery - they taught real life skills.

“There’s more of a focus on academic skills now but I believe it is important to teach these life skills to young people.

“I thought these classes would be a good way to give people the chance to learn practical skills.”

Melanie will share her own experiences and advice to guide students around the kitchen and will teach them all about how to prepare fruit and vegetables, make pastry from scratch to make quiches and tarts as well as helping them master the art of bread making.

And Melanie is overwhelmed by the success of the school so far and classes have only just started.

She continued: “I posted an advert on Facebook letting people know I was interested in running the school and got an amazing response. Not only is the first run of classes full, I’m also fully booked for the next course in May.

“I asked the participants to take part in an online food hygiene and safety course before they start so by the time they finish they’ll have all those as well as a certificate to say they’ve finished the classes.

“It’ll be a good start for anyone interested in getting involved in the hospitality industry or even just for anyone interested in learning more about cooking.”

To find out more information visit melanieandrews.co.uk.