WOODEN spoons were at the ready when two school chefs from Warrington were stationed in the kitchen during a heated battle for a top cooking title.

Sue Appleton from Culcheth High School and Jenny Roberts from Bridgewater High School both cooked up in a storm when they took part in the regional final to find the north west school chef of the year on Thursday.

Despite narrowly missing out on the cooking crown, both contenders were praised for their efforts during the competition at Manchester College.

Mum of two Jenny, who has previously worked as a pre-school teacher, served up Asian-infused chicken fajitas and banoffee pie to the judging panel which included some tough critics - two 11-year-old pupils from Moston Lane Primary School in Manchester.

The 39-year-old, who has worked at Bridgewater High for the past five years, said: "They were both popular dishes with the children and it was something a little bit different as well.

"I was very nervous when I first started making the dishes as I knew it was going to be on the TV but I loved every minute of it."

Even though she spends her day job slaving over a stove, Jenny still cooks and bakes all the time at home for her family.

She adds that she enjoys experimenting with recipes - especially during themed days at school where she can unleash her culinary expertise.

One time she was even brave enough to test the youngsters’ taste buds with a chilli chocolate creation.

Fellow competitor Sue discovered her love of cooking with thanks to her nearest and dearest.

The 46-year-old mum of two, who cooked Italian meatballs with spaghetti and rice pudding with peaches, said: "It was down to my mum and nana.

"They taught me all the basics and my love of cooking just grew from there."

During the competition, each entrant is required to produce - in just one and a half hours - a healthy balanced two-course meal comprising of a main course and dessert that would appeal to 11 year olds in school.

A maximum of £1.60 is allowed for the cost of a single meal for one child.

Both Jenny and Sue understand the difficulties a parent faces when trying to serve a nutritious meal without breaking the bank so the chefs have revealed their top tips to healthy eating while sticking to a budget.

Top tips

1. Don't throw away leftovers but add them to your next meal

2. Only buy fruit and veg when it is in season

3. Always check prices - sometimes it's cheaper to hand pick produce rather than buy pre-packed

4. Empty the fridge - there is always some food hidden away

5. Use a smaller plate

6. Bulk out your meal with ingredients such as lentils and barley

7. Always have a shopping list

8. Never go shopping on an empty stomach