MASTERCHEFS — that’s Alicia Bramwell and Abbie Davies.

The two year eight pupils from St James’ CE High School in Farnworth wowed judges in a MasterChef-style competition with their menu of chicken wrapped in Parma ham, stuffed with garlic cheese, seasoned with an Italian herb on a bed of wilted spinach and sweet potato infused with chilli oil followed by spiced apple meringue pie with berry coulis.

The competition was organised by Bury College and involved 26 students. It was judged by a team of professional chefs including Matthew Rowntree from Slattery’s in Whitefield.

Alicia said: “I enjoyed taking part and I can’t get over the shock of winning.”

Abbie added: “It took a lot of hard work and messy kitchens but we got there in the end.”

Judge Matthew Rowntree said: “The standard was really high, but Alicia and Abbie stood out as winners because their dishes were well presented and tasty, with good flavours, especially the chicken.”

Parents and staff from the schools attended the awards ceremony at the end of the competition where the pupil’s dishes were displayed and a buffet prepared by Bury College catering students was served.