The five finalists, judges and guests at the final of York's first-ever curry competition on Friday (July 12) will be welcomed by children from Robert Wilkinson Primary School giving a unique musical performance.

The children, from Strensall, have formed their very own 'Kitchen Utensil Orchestra' and will make their premiere with a specially-written piece at the final on Friday at Nestle's Haxby Road headquarters.

Whisks, wooden spoons, wire trays, measuring jugs and everything BUT the kitchen sink will be used to provide the musical entertainment. The pupils have also worked on a dance routine which will demonstrate the correct way that hands should be washed before preparing food.

Rachel Cummings, the school's performing arts coordinator, said, "We like to get involved with creative arts and this has been a rely good fun activity for the children - especially since there in an end product in Friday's performance.

"This is something all the children have worked very hard towards and we have gone out there and had to beg, steal and borrow the equipment from parents' kitchens and other places!"

David Ashworth, music consultant from City of York Council's Arts Service, has been working with year five pupils on the songwriting project based on the theme of food safety and hygiene. And the song is actually about curry .

David said, "The theme ties in with the national curriculum and proves that any source material can be used to develop lyrics and everything that makes sound can make music."

Councillor Alan Jones, the council's executive member for leisure and heritage, said, "I know this has been great fun for the youngsters and is an ideal way to teach young children basic food safety issues.

"The council has a project running in schools about food and hygiene safety and we are keen to encourage this kind of fun learning."

York MP Hugh Bayley will open Friday's contest which is the only one of its kind in Yorkshire this year and is the result of a council project to strengthen links between the council's food and safety unit and the city's Asian restaurants and take-aways.

Nestle is giving over its staff canteen for the contest free of charge. Company spokesman Paul Kirkwood, said, "We're delighted to provide the venue for the curry competition. It's a great way for the world's biggest food manufacturer to support the local business community.

"But the chefs can rest assured that we're not planning to introduce any curry dishes. We'll leave that to the experts!"

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For more information on the curry contest please see:

http://www.york.gov.uk/cgi-bin/wn_document.pl?type=2442