THE proof was in the pudding for Horwich youngsters at the Primary School MasterChef competition.

Pupils from schools across Horwich and Blackrod had to develop their own healthy flapjack snack bar in the first MasterChef competition of its kind.

The final, in which 11 pupils took part, was held at Rivington and Blackrod High School and involved the children, aged seven to 10, making flapjacks from their own recipe with ingredients provided by the Horwich Rotary Club.

With a focus on healthiness, appearance, taste and presentation, judges headteacher Tony Purcell, director of business development, Michelle Howard and Keith Maher from the Rotary Club chose a strawberry glaze deluxe bar made by Caitlin Dandy from St Catherine’s CE Primary School as the winner.

Joint second place was awarded to Brandon Henderson from Horwich Parish Primary School and Sophie Walton from St Catherine’s Primary School and third place went to Lana Price from Blackrod Primary School.

The Rotary Club donated cookbooks and cooking utensils for the winners and all the children received a certificate.

Mr Purcell said: “The standard of each and every bar produced was fantastic and it was very difficult to pick a winner.

“It was great to see so many young people demonstrate their creativity and really enjoy cooking and it was a pleasure being a judge and getting to taste all of the entries.

“I want to thank Horwich Rotary Club for supporting this competition and to all at both our local primary schools and staff at Rivington and Blackrod High for making this competition happen.”