Chefs rise to school food challenge

Five hopefuls from Hull, Leeds, Huddersfield, Whitby and York will take part in a live “cook-off” as part of their bid to be crowned Regional School Chef of the Year at Hull College.

Contestants will also have to impress a three-strong judging panel made up of Simon Rogers, who is a professional chef from the Boar’s Nest restaurant in Hull, and George Smart and Ellie Cooper, pupils at the city’s Victoria Dock Primary School.

The five contenders face a tall order because they will have to serve up a main course and dessert suitable for an 11-year-old – and spend no more than 1.25 per child on the whole meal.

Dishes to be prepared include Cassoulet of Beef, Mad Hatter's Chicken Topper and Sea Farer's Treasure Chest.

School chefs now have to abide by strict rules that require children’s menus to meet a healthy balance of nutrients and minerals.