Children at Highview Nursery in Sharples put on their aprons to learn the skills of icing from professionals.

Bolton bakers Hampsons taught cake decoration to fifteen nursery school children for charity.

The children gave donations in return for baking gingerbreadmen and icing cakes.

Proceeds go to 21st Century Kids, which helps underpriveleged or abused children in the North-west.

Deputy team leader Anne Marie Carwardine thought up the project two months ago and contacted her daughters' nursery in Lilliput.

The bakers have held two classes so far and say they are looking to also involve two primary schools in the area.

Dawn Berry, production manager at Hampsons, said: "It gets people aware of the baking industry and encourages children, even though they are young to come into the industry in future.

"It is also good training for the team leaders who are taking their NVQ's at the moment. Parents come along too and enjoy seeing the children decorating."