YOUNG masterchefs faced the hard task of impressing two seasoned restaurateurs during a hard-fought cookery competition.
St Hilda's School in Westcliff hosted a masterchef competition which demonstrated the culinary skills of three of its young finalists.
They presented a mouth-watering feast to judges Steve Jones, owner of the Pipe of Port restaurant in Southend, and Delvin Pitt, from the Grove in Leigh.
Pupils Eloise Holmes, 15, Charlotte Kinerman, 14, and Eleanor Champion, 13, whisked, chopped, seared and sizzled in the school's kitchen to create three perfect dinner party menus.
The impressed judges praised the girls for their calm and composed approach and their preparation and presentation skills in producing some highly creative dishes.
Mr Jones, who has been at the Pipe of Port for 29 years, said: "It is fabulous to see young people with such an interest in creating outstanding dishes."
Only a couple of marks separated the three young chefs, but Eloise Holmes wowed the judges with her menu of beef wellington, sweet potato with scallop in Parma ham and baby carrots, followed by crushed ginger nuts and cream.
Delighted headmistress Susan O'Riordan said: "It is often said children are not learning to cook in the same way as previous generations, but we have shown it certainly isn't the case at St Hilda's."
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