A COUPLE who bid for, and won, a cookery lesson during Sidmouth Twinning Circle s recent fundraising auction, have been able to prepare a three-course meal for two friends in 30 minutes.

A COUPLE who bid for, and won, a cookery lesson during Sidmouth Twinning Circle's recent fundraising auction, have been able to prepare a three-course meal for two friends in 30 minutes.

Patricia and Michael live near Station Road, Sidmouth, and received high-speed tuition from Lois Kelly of Cliff Road, who usually teaches cookery at evening classes at Sidmouth College.

Although able to cook already, Patricia hadn't had a cookery lesson since school, said Lois.

"She said she didn't know the recipes used and it is always useful to learn new things and pick up a few tips."

First Patricia made pastry, using a fork for mixing because of the hot weather, to line a flan dish for lemon meringue pie, then prepared kipper pate starter.

The main course - pork stroganoff - was made using half fat cr�me frais, which, said Lois, made the course less fatty.

"Patricia said they had all very much enjoyed the evening." Said Lois, whose classes; for beginners and further level will begin again at the college in September.

Anyone interested in the classes should contact Lois on (01395) 577038.