Talented young chefs wowed the judges with a range of delicious dishes at a Cockermouth cooking competition.

Eight year 9 pupils took part in the final of the annual Cockermouth School contest run by the town's Rotary club.

They each had one and a half hours to rustle up a two-course meal for two people, celebrating Cumbrian produce and spending no more than £8.

The lucky judges were freelance chef Stuart Powley, from Dearham, and Rotarians Joe Fagan and Michael Rooney.

Stuart said: "The food was absolutely incredible and I was so impressed with how keen everyone was."

They awarded the Mike Wilde Plate to Leoni Hardwick, in second place was William Devenish.

The other finalists were: Jonny Edgar, Alfie Parker Weir, Liam McAlpine, Noah Westwood, Lucy Pointon and Aimee Bell.

Stuart highlighted various dishes, which he said were of restaurant standard. These were Leoni's smoked Gilcrux trout pate, Lucy's coconut and cumin spiced langoustine, Jonny's apple and rhubarb crumble and Alfie's shortbread.

Joe thanked the teachers for organising the event and said: "Every spoonful was a highlight for me. I like food and thoroughly enjoyed doing this.

"I was amazed at how calm you all were, there were no pans or knives being thrown!"

The whole of Year 9 took part in the competition. They each had to make one dish using local produce where possible. Eight finalists were then chosen.

The pupils, aged 13 and 14, all enjoyed taking part.

Winner Leoni, 14, said: "It's been really fun. I want to be a chef when I'm older. I like trying out different things."

Her main course was local pigeon breast marinaded in Jennings port and rosemary sauce, pan fried and served with leeks, asparagus, mushrooms and dauphinoise potatoes.

Noah, 14, used his grandmother's gooseberries in his crumble. He said: "I love getting the feedback from the judges, rather than my mum who likes everything I make!"

William, 14, made mushroom filled tortellini, followed by a dessert of caramelised walnut. "I love cooking, there's been a great atmosphere today," he said.