PUPILS at a York primary school have been cooking up a storm.

The children in Years 5 and 6 at Yearsley Grove School were set an October holiday homework challenge to design a healthy dish.

They were encouraged to describe their dish using terms that would persuade the reader as well as thinking about using the healthiest ingredients. They undertook their task with gusto and the teachers had difficulty narrowing more than 80 entries down to just nine finalists.

Teacher, Laura Grayson said the final nine cooked up a storm and arrived at school on Thursday evening with their pre-prepared dishes.

She said: "The children photographically documented the making process and this was screened while each finalist presented their finished dishes to our expert judges. We were fortunate that Chef Jodie from Jamie’s Italian and Chef Mike from Rustique French restaurant - both in Lendal - gave their time to be our professional judges.

"Each finalist was questioned, not grilled a la Wallace and Torrode by Chefs Jodie and Mike as they tasted the food.

"The dishes ranged from beautifully presented salmon to raspberry tiramisu. When all the tasting was over Jodie and Mike cogitated and deliberated for some time: they agreed that the competition was stiff as they couldn’t find fault with any of the dishes.

"During this interval the audience had the opportunity to try all the dishes- everyone agreeing that the products were incredible. Our Junior MasterChefs definitely demonstrated knowledge and real talent."

Pupil Dan Davis with a ‘healthy’ version of banoffee pie was given third place and Frankie McClements took second place with a delicious chicken curry plate. Sophie Freeman was claimed first place with her cheese and onion tartlet served with crispy side salad.

Ms Grayson said: "We agreed that all the finalists were winners as their food was healthy, delicious and beautifully presented and look forward to repeating this event.

"As a result of this event, Jamie’s Italian are very keen to make regular links with our school giving whole classes the opportunity to go to the restaurant to make bread and pasta or freeing Chef Jodie to come in to school and work with groups. The staff at Yearsley and Jamie’s believe that this will really encourage children to learn more about food preparation and who knows? This could develop MasterChef finalists of the future."