WEE County pupils showed off their culinary skills as they took part in a school heat for a nationwide competition last week.

The youngsters in S3 at Alloa Academy whipped up a storm and produced some creative cakes on Monday, June 18, as part of the prestigious FutureChef contest.

The school took part in this event for the first time last year and it was a great success, helping to get students excited about cooking.

This time around heats began in May and professional chef Mark Heirs visited for a cook-along with 100 pupils, before picking the finalists for the heat.

Nicolle Gibson, home economics teacher at Alloa Academy, said: "This is a great opportunity to develop skills, work with professional chefs and provides a real life working experience for our young people.

"There was a real buzz around the school and pupils definitely upped their game from last year.

"The standard of cooking from our S3 students was outstanding and they really showed off their creative skills.

"Pupils were all given a whisked sponge recipe which they could alter as the pleased to make it as unique as possible.

"We had so many different takes on the same recipe including Oreo flavours, chocolate orange and black forest."

The tough call of selecting the winners was made by Mr Heirs and councillor Ellen Forson.

Ptolemy McCappin, who produced a delicious lemon flavoured whisked sponge and brought his own free range eggs from chickens at home, and Demilee Brand, who created a perfect mixed berry Swiss roll, were chosen to go onto the next stage in October.

Miss Gibson said: We were the first school in Scotland to do our school heats so this gives us an advantage over other schools.

"I will now mentor both pupils between now and late October to ensure they are prepared for the next round.

"They must produce a two course meal for two people with a budget of £7.

"It's not an easy task but I know Demilee and Ptolemy are both up for the challenge and excited to begin the next stage."

FutureChef, from Springboard, aims to support the food curriculum, teach life skills and promote healthy eating.

The competition is open to those aged 12-16-years-old who have an interest in hospitality.

There are four rounds and the final stage is judged by industry and celebrity chefs.