Treacle tart with custard, black forest cupcakes, oaty chocolate chip cookies and apple crumble are among the dishes that impressed judges at a primary school cooking competition last week.

Pupils in Years 4, 5 and 6 at Sir Robert Hitcham’s Primary School, Framlingham, have been competing in the Hitcham’s Head Chefs competition, run to encourage children to get involved in cooking as part of Aldeburgh Food Festival.

Each Friday, pupils compete in a different round of the competition.

Mrs Cooper, design and technology co-ordinator at the school, said: “So far we have seen complex dishes prepared involving home made dough, cheese sauce, onion gravy, stir fried beef, grilled salmon and fine chopping skills for a tasty vegetarian Bolognese.

“There is a real buzz in the kitchen each Friday as the competition takes place. We are thrilled with the enthusiasm of the children, which surpassed our expectations, and we are very grateful for the support of their families and our guest judges who have given up their time to help us.”