Renowned chef Theo Randall gave Great Ormond Street Hospital patients a master class in making pizza to celebrate a special new partnership.

ASK Italian has just opened a brand new flagship branch in Bluewater, where the leading chef met his willing volunteers on Thursday.

The chain has just announced a three-year plan to raise £1 million for the hospital.

All money raised will go towards a new Surgery Centre, due to open in 2017.

Theo taught the children and their families about fresh, seasonally ingredients and the Italian craft of authentic pizza making during the session in the Greenhithe shopping centre.

The new restaurant can cater for 145 people at a time.

Catherine Salloux, Marketing Director at ASK Italian, said: “Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity is a charity we feel passionate about.

“Our goal is to raise £1 million to help fund dining rooms, play areas and a kitchen within the hospital's new Surgery Centre, which will help provide physical and emotional support to patients and their families.”

ASK Italian has published an exclusive cookbook which features the restaurant’s most popular dishes.

With anecdotes from celebrity friends, including Dame Helen Mirren, Claudia Winkleman and Gino D’Campo, the book includes Italian recipes to cook at home from hand-made fettuccine to perfect risottos and indulgent desserts.

The book is available in ASK Italian restaurants for £10, with £4 from each sale going to the charity.

To further generate funds, the chain is also donating 25p from every kid’s menu sold nationwide.

Visit askitalian.co.uk