Parents who decide to pack up the child rollalong suitcases for a self-catering break could get their kids to help with the cooking.

Actress Fay Ripley told the Sun involving youngsters with knocking up a meal can be brilliant fun.

Including a child in the cooking process when parents are strapped for time may not be the best idea, the Reggie Perrin star explained.

However, this task could be best done while on holiday, as mums and dads are likely to be less busy.

Ripley said parents should choose jobs which are suited to their age and abilities - giving the example that her toddler is an expert at stirring ingredients.

Meanwhile, her seven-year-old is more adept at measuring out flour and milk and preparing tins and trays for the oven.

"Let them stick to the basics and then whilst you're all working together you can explain the dangers in the kitchen - for example a hot oven," she remarked.

Cooking with kids could be a great way to get involved in the government's Change4Life programme, which was launched last year.

The scheme aims to educate children and adults about healthy eating.

Posted by Teresa O'BrienADNFCR-3005-ID-19633687-ADNFCR