IT is a daunting prospect for any cook to serve up a meal for a Great British Menu contestant and award-winning chef.

But youngsters from six schools rose to the challenge and wowed the judges at Warrington Collegiate's first Junior Masterchef contest.

Alderley Edge Hotel chef Chris Holland, who competed in series eight of the popular BBC cookery show, and lecturer Scott Surtees, who has worked in three Michelin starred restaurants, judged the competition.

Teams from Culcheth High. St Gregory's, Beamont Collegiate Academy, Byrchall High, Sir Thomas Boteler High and University Academy Warrington were all asked to make a chicken dish and a pastry dessert.

India Walton and Emily Tickle from Culcheth High scooped first place, with Izzy Hicks and Libby Egerton from St Gregory’s winning the bonus prize of a one-day chocolate course for their 'incredible' choux pastry.

The college's chef lecturer Scott Surtees described it as the best choux he had ever tasted.

Judge Chris said: “The standard of food produced today has been amazing. It’s a great thing to be part of, bringing the next generation of chefs through. There were a few problems during cooking but everyone managed to get through.

"Everyone that has taken part has done an extremely good job.”

Scott added: “Chris and I are absolutely confident in the future of our industry after seeing the food that is being produced by students.

"We have both been taken aback by the quality and standard of what has been produced by everyone."