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Preston school children show love for their community on Valentine’s Day with support from SPAR

Ashton Primary students bake Valentine’s shortbread for residents.

Ashton Primary School Valentine’s baking

Children in Year Four at Ashton Primary School in Preston have baked heart-shaped shortbreads dipped in chocolate and have donated them to residents at Abraham House, Marina View, and Swansea Terrace.

The tasty treats were well received by residents and the project has supported the children to develop new skills and broaden their awareness of the community around them.


Ingredients were supplied by James Hall & Co. Ltd, together with a SPAR recipe card, which was put together with help from the University of Central Lancashire’s Dietetics department.

The initiative is part of a longer-term project with multiple partners working together across the academic year which is aiming to support Ashton Primary School in a range of areas.

These including knowledge development with children and families, supporting the school to become more self-sufficient with food supply, and increasing the connection between the school and the community around them.

“Baking shortbread has been a labour of love," said Michelle Harrison-Baines, Year Four teacher at Ashton Primary School. "The children adored the process of donning aprons and getting out the mixing bowls and rolling pins to produce the heart shaped biscuits.

“It was a lovely opportunity to coincide with Valentine’s Day, and it was brilliant for the children to see the smiles on the faces of the residents when we arrived at each of the homes.”

Katie Atherton, Trading Manager at James Hall & Co. Ltd, said: “We have enjoyed every one of the opportunities we have done supporting Ashton Primary School this academic year, but I think the Valentine’s Day baking session has been the most heart-warming yet.

“As a proud Preston-based family business with family values, we are pleased to be supporting skills development within children and helping the school build a connection with the community, which is what we do at SPAR.”

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