Talented Sam Hyde showed off his master chef skills when he scooped top prize in Beaconhurst School’s Cook Club Contest.

Nine-year-old Sam, from Dunblane, proved he had the right recipe for success when he was named `Beaconhurst Chef of the Year 2015’.

The judges awarded him first place for a delicious meal of Mediterranean chicken roulade followed by chocolate cake in the final of the annual competition which puts youngsters’ cookery skills to the test.

The other finalists were Jake Gourlay (12), from Dunblane, and Emma Keith (9), from Tullibody, who were awarded joint second place.

All three pupils were presented with engraved glass trophies at the school’s annual prize-giving ceremony.

Sam said: “I really like going to Cook Club, it’s good fun and I also do some cooking at home.

“I was really pleased to come first in the competition and I’m going to try and keep it up over the summer and help my mum in the kitchen.” The contest was organised by Beaconhurst’s catering manager Marie Brunton, of catering firm Sodexo, and was open to all members of the weekly after-school Cook Club she runs.

Marie said: “They were all winners as far as I’m concerned and it’s amazing how well these young pupils can cook.

“Sam just had the edge thanks to the consistency he has shown throughout Cook Club and the confidence he demonstrated in cooking his dishes which were just fantastic.

“He was a very worthy winner and I’m so proud of all three finalists.”