A GROUP of students from the Royal Grammar School in Worcester curried favour with a local businessman to help them prepare for a five-week expedition to India.

Sheikh Latif (in suit), owner of the only 24/7 Indian restaurant in the city, and his head chef Mohammed Mahfozh (red apron) spent an evening turning 18 intrepid pupils into balti chefs.

The group, who are heading to Rajasthan next summer as part of the World Challenge programme, were shown how to prepare authentic pilau rice before getting stuck into making individual chicken baltis of varying spice and texture.

Shakeey said the evening, which raised over £100 in aid of the expedition, was a tremendous success.