A Tullibody girl impressed judges when she proved she has a recipe for success earning a joint second place at her school’s Cook Club Contest.

Beaconhurst pupil Emma Keith (9) was runner-up alongside Jake Gourlay (12) at the school’s Bake-Off Competition. Pupil Sam Hyde (9), from Dunblane, was crowned Beaconhurst Chef of the Year 2015.

The annual competition was organised by the school’s catering manager, Marie Brunton of Sodexo, and was open to all members of the weekly Cook Club, which she runs.

Mrs Brunton said: “They were all winners as far as I’m concerned and it’s amazing how well these young pupils can cook.

“Sam just had the edge thanks to the consistency he has shown throughout Cook Club and the confidence he demonstrated in cooking his dishes, which were just fantastic.

“He was a very worthy winner and I’m so proud of all three finalists.” All three were presented with engraved glass trophies at the school’s annual prize-giving ceremony.

More than 20 youngsters entered this year’s competition taking part in heats before seven were chosen for the semi-final where they had to bake and decorate a Victoria Sponge.

The three finalists were then challenged to cook a two-course meal of their own choice in two hours.

They were watched closely by five judges - Mrs Brunton, head chef Andy McDougall, Sodexo executives David Ward and Maggie Trotter as well as last year’s runner-up 11-year-old Jessica Lifson – who studied their technique, cleanliness and presentation.

Then, the judges, joined by headmaster John Owen, tasted all the finished products and found that Emma’s homemade burger with dip and fries followed by cheesecake was on par with Jake’s prawn linguini and lemon mousse.

Sam’s winning dish was a Mediterranean chicken roulade followed by chocolate cake.