Harpenden school pupils had the chance to show off their cookery skills in a Masterchef-style competition.
18 students took part in the cooking competition at Sir John Lawes School that was arranged by year 13 student, Sophie Yaron.
Sophie said: “I think it is really important to give people confidence in their cooking – it is just a really useful skill to have and it is great fun.”
“No matter what age you are you still have the time and the passion to come and cook something. I love food and we have never had a cooking competition at the school before so I thought that was something we could really do.”
Contestants were judged on taste, presentation and environmental impact; the judges took into account how far their ingredients had travelled.
Miss Yaron added: “We thought we could encourage people’s love for cooking and broaden their knowledge of food miles in a fun way.
“Knowing the food miles as well as just doing the cooking gives them something that they can be proud of.
The organisers made a shortlist of just 18 students who were given just 45 minutes to cook a savoury or sweet dish of their choice.
Miss Yaron said: “It was a full kitchen and there was a great atmosphere.
“It was very busy and hectic.
“Just seeing people flourish in the kitchen that have never really had a chance before.”
The food was then judged by a panel of judges which included a local nutritionist, a food technology teacher, members of the school’s eco team and a former pupil who now works as a chef.
The winning dish was a goat’s cheese tart that was made by year eight student Joshua Smith.
Miss Yaron added: “His was really delicious and the presentation was beautiful.
“It was very professional tasting and really high quality.”