FUTURE chefs proved they could stand the heat as they battled to be named their school's top cook.

Pupils of Roding Valley High School in Loughton took part in the Rotary Young Chef competition - a cross between TV favourites Ready Steady Cook and Masterchef.

Eighteen students from Years 7 to 10 had 90 minutes to create their chosen dish from scratch using ingredients costing no more than £5.

A panel of lucky teachers judged entrants on the healthiness of their menu, planning and costing, the range of skills used, the neatness of their work area, their use of the time and their presentation.

The winner with his lamb burger dish was Year 8 pupil Adam Ahmed, who will now go through to the area final.

Psychology and sociology teacher Stephen Murray, who was one of the judges, said: "This is one of the nicest jobs I’ve had to do in all my time at the school – and one of the hardest.

"We have all been incredibly impressed."