SERIOUSLY-ILL children have been given a taste of how to bake like a top celebrity chef.

Raymond Blanc visited the Oxford Children’s Hospital laden with mince pies and gingerbread men, and helped the children put the finishing touches to some of their own biscuits.

Mr Blanc, whose Great Milton restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons boasts two Michelin stars, said he was honoured to meet the children and young people, many of whom had life-threatening conditions. He said: “It was the most humbling experience. I met with the children, most of them affected by serious illnesses.

“I can honestly say they make you realise how lucky we are.

“They were some of the most inspirational and courageous children I’ve ever met.”

The patients had already prepared shortbreads ahead of Mr Blanc’s arrival and cut them into the shapes of trees, baubles and teddy bears.

Mr Blanc added: “I was there in part because I wanted the children to enjoy the therapy of cooking – smelling, tasting and touching.

“While learning and cooking with the children I was told that this was the most enjoyable therapeutic activity for just these reasons, as well as creating a lovely mess and having huge amounts of fun.

"I learned so much from these amazing children, and cooking with them was a huge bonus.”