The kitchens of Bushey Academy were busy on Wednesday last week, as the school staged its "young masterchef" final.


Students were given two and a half hours in the academy's restaurant kitchen to prepare and present two complete courses.


Winners were Ryan Fardella and Nice Mutaviri, with their main course of chicken wrapped in bacon and mature cheddar, crushed potatoes and creamed leeks, with chocolate brownie, chocolate sauce and wild strawberry puree for dessert.


The contest was organised by the academy's design and technology (DT) teacher Jonathan Hawkins in conjunction with the school’s catering company Cucina Restaurants.


The competition involved heats within DT classes from which eight finalists were selected - two students from each of the four houses.


Tony Lones, Bushey Academy's resident chef, said: "This was an inspirational example of teaching staff, kitchen staff and students working together to do something special.


"Our shared commitment and expertise is helping young cooks aspire to the restaurant standards they see on television.


"The winning dishes these young people served up were absolutely fantastic."

According to Mr Hawkins, "masterchef" now looks set to be a regular feature in the academy's calendar.