Mouthwatering smells wafted around the corridors of a Workington school as pupils went head-to-head in a young chefs competition.

St Joseph's School hosted the event, which was organised by Workington Rotary Club, with retired chef and rotarian Ian Lewis-Dalby judging seven pupils on all aspects of their cooking as they whipped up a variety of quirky dishes.

The kitchen immediately sprang into life as the clocks started, with just two-hours to put their food on a plate from scratch.

Winner Corey Scott offered patatas bravas with chorizo then a main course of seafood paella with focaccia.

Runner-up Ciaran O'Donnell made a salmon and cucumber sushi starter, with pickled ginger, and turkey singapore noodles for the main course.

Peter Sacre, youth services chairman at Workington Rotary Club, said: "We rotarians were very pleased with the level of participation and are already making plans for next year, where we hope the winners will go on to the district rotary young chef competition."

Pupils were judged on preparation, hygiene, technique, presentation and taste and could cook either a starter or dessert to go with their main course.

Sasha Carlton received a merit award for her herb-crusted rack of lamb with broccoli, sweet potato puree, honey roasted carrots and pea puree, followed by strawberry cheesecake.

Liam Gregg, who is a vegetarian, prepared a starter of bacon blue deviled eggs with roasted garlic and asparagus, before a main of Thai bean burgers and sweet potato wedges with barbecue sauce.

Bethany Murphy started with garlic mushrooms before serving up chicken arrabiata.

Elliott Dodd's rib of beef, braised puy lentils and watercress were followed by mixed fruit creams.

Dempsey O'Neill, who only found out he was taking part that day due to another pupil being ill, served up chicken and leek pie then chocolate fondant.

Special mention was given by Peter Sacre to teacher Joanne Fowler for her enthusiasm in driving the competition with the pupils.

She said: "They all chose what they wanted to do with some tips from me and I know some of them have been practising for days.

"They've really embraced it and you can see how passionate they are about cooking.

"I like to encourage them to take opportunities like this to test themselves."

The winner received a set of cooking knives and tools, while the runner-up received the same set of knives minus the tools.