Lottery-backed villagers give a taster of their School of Food

Six months ago, a group of residents from the village of Tideswell, in the heart of the Peak District, won 400,000 to help develop what they call their "food economy".

It is hoped that the school will encourage visitors to come to the village and take part in the Taste Tideswell initiative, which also promotes the growth and sale of local produce.

Carrie Warr, a spokesman for the Taste Tideswell project, described the School of Food as a "major milestone" in the scheme.

She added: "The grand opening was a chance for everyone from volunteers, villagers and visitors and to see the newly developed building for the first time.

"The new facility in the centre of Tideswell will provide a range of leisure courses on all aspects of cooking and preparing food as well as being committed to developing local skills in the community from growing, cooking and selling locally produced food."

Work has also taken place on a kitchen garden, which has been developed behind the church hall, and a nano-brewery which organisers say is smaller than a micro-brewery, is also planned.