Youngsters cook up a treat at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre

This week the centre, Craven Arms, held cooking classes for children between the age of four and 11 giving them a taste of how people celebrate the New Year in other countries.

The budding chefs made Chinese sweet rice dumplings and then sweet treats from Germany, glucksschwein - marzipan pigs that are said to bring good luck.

Jade Marriot-Lodge, marketing manager at the centre, said many of the activities held there were food based.

“We are all about food and where our food comes from and so we decided to have a look at what people eat at New Year around the world.

“New Year’s Eve is very adult based, with not a lot happening for children, so this was a way younger people could get involved in the celebrations.”

Special events were held for children throughout the Christmas holidays, from crafts to cookery.

One of the next major events at the centre is the Flight and Feathers day on February 26 between 11am and 3pm.

“Join us for a day of activities to celebrate RSPB Big Birdwatch,” Jade said.

“Visitors can see the spectacle of Chris Neal’s Falconry Birds of Prey, join in flying crafts and get involved in treasure trails. The Midland Gliding Club will also be bringing a glider.”

"There will be exhibitions and demonstrations from the RSPB, British Dragonfly Society and Butterfly Conservation.”