PUPILS at Durham School competed against the clock in a fast-paced food competition as part of a new campaign that aims to promote healthy eating among children.

The campaign, organised by school catering company Chartwells and the “Fun into Food” team, saw groups of Year Seven, Eight and Nine pupils do their best to create their best healthy dish from a selection of mystery ingredients within a strict time limit.

Travelling chef Tim Elks made a special appearance to inform students about the importance of healthy eating and exercise, and test them on their culinary knowledge in a quick-fire Question and Answer session.

The event was concluded with an amateur Ready Steady Cook contest, in which staff members posing as celebrity chefs worked with teams of pupils to produce Peking-style turkey burgers, noodles, salmon fish cakes and Szechwan stir-fry vegetables.

An audience made up of other Durham School pupils were invited to sample the dishes and vote for the winner at the end.

Nicola McCann, director of marketing at Durham School, said: “The highlight of the session was definitely the Ready Steady Cook competition.

“All teams cooked up amazingly tasty dishes in just 15 minutes.

"As well as promoting healthy eating, the campaign provides pupils with hands-on cooking experience and helps them build their teamwork and leadership skills".