A MasterChef star visited a Glasgow school to cook some delights for the children and raise awareness of an important cause. 

Gary Maclean, who won the 2016 series of MasterChef: The Professionals, visited All Saints High in Barmulloch this week.

The 53-year-old, who is originally from Knightswood, brought a taste of Africa to the class when he rustled up a special stew in partnership with the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF).

(Image: Wattie Cheung) Dressed as Santa, Gary cooked the meal on an African eco stove to highlight the difficulties faced by people struggling with poverty who face daily challenges when trying to cook safely for their families. 

Gary said: "It's easy to forget, but not everyone has a kitchen with a fridge, a microwave and a safe cooker.

"In many of the countries SCIAF works, people. cook on open fires inside their homes. These eco stoves, part of SCIAF's Real Gifts, are amazing."

(Image: Wattie Cheung) People who wish to help those around the world that SCIAF helps can do so by purchasing a 'Real Gift' to help. 

This could be anything from stoves to seeds.

Gary added: "The cost of fuel is going up all over the world, and in the poorest countries, many families. literally cannot afford the fuel to cook what little food they have.

"Not only do eco stoves cut down massively on the amount of fuel needed but also produce much less smoke, so they're good for both people and the planet.

"SCIAF has a whole range of Real Gifts for you to buy, from stoves to seeds and even chickens, cows and goats. Real Gifts provide real support to people who need it the most around the world."

(Image: Wattie Cheung) To buy your Real Gifts in time for Christmas visit www.sciaf.org.uk/realgifts.