THE heat was on as teams of staff and pupils took part in a cook-off before the start of school to create a new tasty but healthy breakfast dish to be judged by an award winning chef.

Six teams, made up of pupils and staff — including headteacher Lee Harris — at Bolton St Catherine's Academy, took part in a 'grab and go' savoury muffin competition.

The contest was judged by award winning chef and former pupil Michael Hales, who has appeared on television in America, and Marie Bisset, the Bolton Healthy Schools Co-ordinator.

The winning dish by teacher Eira Parry and year 10 pupil Tom Harrison, was a gluten free muffin, made from tomato, eggs and bacon.

Miss Parry said: "I love cooking so this was an ideal opportunity to work with Tom and we could ‘show off’ our skills so our students can start their learning in the best possible way every morning."

Tom added: "I had a fantastic time working with Miss Parry and having my breakfast every morning at the club.

"Children aged three to 18-years-old can enjoy a healthy breakfast and which is also designed to help young people develop good eating patterns throughout their life."

Mr Hales, who once made mulled wine for the Queen, said: "I had goose bumps going into the school, because it was where it all started for me.

"The standard was fantastic and you see the passion they had — for me the hardest thing was to choose a winner, they were all winners.

"I gave them all feedback during the day and will be writing to each individual with constructive feedback.

“The team we chose had omitted the flour to create a breakfast muffin of bacon, tomatoes, mushroom wrap.

“This recipe could be taken to any national company.

He added: "I would like to see each of the muffins appear on a termly basis.”

The breakfast club is supported by Warburtons, Kelloggs, Dunsters Farm and Ribble Farm.

Philip Deakin, financial director at the school, said: “The contest had such a buzz with wonderful aromas wafting out of the room — it certainly made me feel hungry.

“Michael demonstrated to our students the value of a ‘life of learning’ as one of our alumni.

"He left as head boy and continued his education to become a chef, college lecturer and is now responsible for training the hospitality workers of the future."

Teaching assistant Carrie Rostron who helps run the breakfast club said: “ I’m so looking forward to seeing the students take advantage of our breakfast club every morning and enjoying the new muffins on the menu.”