BUDDING chefs at Ringwood School cooked up a storm and put their culinary skills to the test as part of a competition.

Ten students took part in the school’s fourth annual cookery competition, which was judged by The Pig’s executive chef James Golding and Mary Reader, the president of the Christchurch Food Festival.

The Year 10 students had to plan and cook a main course and dessert that encourage healthier eating, and include more fruit and vegetables in the diet – particularly aimed at young people.

It was also part of a controlled assessment for their GCSE – contributing 10 per cent of the overall grade.

The winner was Luke Mortimore with Jess Brown coming a close second. They were rewarded with a day in the kitchens of The Pig, kitchen equipment and a recipe book.

Luke said: “The experience was incredible and I am very thankful for the amazing prize I was awarded, and I am looking forward to meeting with James Golding again at The Pig.”

The other entrants won a cookery book for their fantastic efforts.