The Little Explorers group at The Flying High Academy, Ladybrook, Mansfield, was given nutrition lessons by experts.

The group for up to four-year-olds, parents and carers is held each term-time Wednesday.

Supported by Mansfield Baptist Church and Family Action, it is led by Jenny Clark, who said by offering services like access to a nutritionists’ advice, the group was kept informed.

“Children get to enjoy trying a range of healthy foods and we have found that the children will try things in this environment that they won’t touch at home.

“When the nutritionist comes in they try various recipes, last week a little boy ate pineapple for the first time. This is particularly useful for parents as they are then given recipes to take home.”

Jenny said the success of the group was in the range of activities it offers.

“The group is not just for children, it’s a great place for carers and family members to socialise and take part in different activities and in this case, try new recipes,” she said.

Community nutritionist Barbara Phillips, of Mansfield District Council, said: “I am one of two community nutritionists that work with the council, and we go to all kinds of groups and communities with the very young up to the very old, promoting healthy eating within those groups.

“Today we were doing healthy pizzas using a healthier base and I showed mums how to do this, and the children got involved in making the toppings.

“This gave the children an opportunity to handle food and the more ‘hands-on’ they were, the more they enjoyed it. Parents have commented that after participating children often try and like foods that they previously refused to eat. It is a rewarding way to pass on good nutrition ideas.”

Lizz Caunt, who was visiting with her two children for the first time, said: “It’s brilliant, I have enjoyed it and it’s great that I can bring my toddler and baby rather than going to separate groups. It is nice to be able to sit down, I have been given a drink, my daughters Alice and Violet are both entertained and happy, Alice has lots of craft activities to do and we are enjoying it.”

Jess Bagshaw was visiting for the first time with her baby. She said: “It’s a lovely group and great that it caters for ‘from birth’ age. There are nice things here, it’s all nice and clean, we have tried others, but this one seems really nice.”

Pictured are Tony Newbury (4), and Barbara Philips, community nutritionist at Mansfield District Council.