SCHOOL children in Ringwood have been presented with awards supported by a nationally-renowned chef after taking part in a healthy eating challenge.

Last Wednesday (JUL 6) saw all the school's participants - including staff and parents too - of the Ready, Set, Cook scheme which formed part of their wider programme, as organised by the British Nutrition Foundation.

And, in typical Ready Steady Cook style, year nine pupils were split into two teams - the red strawberries and green apples - who were then provided with seasonal produce and asked to make either Chinese vegetable parcels or a vegetable curry.

Prizes for the winning team were donated by Dorset-based Lesley Waters and her cookery school.

Activities were run during the week which included the year nine smoothie challenge; and mini pizza muffins made by year seven students, in line with new guidelines that specify portion sizes.

Food technology teacher Bea Mitchell said: "I have been incredibly proud of all the food students who have been involved in healthy eating week. They have really embraced the activities and I am sure have gained a lot from the experience.

"For Ready, Set, Cook there was much hard work by all the students involved. The final 30 minutes were extremely busy with all hands on deck to ensure the food was ready to be taken out at break for the rest of the school to try.

"The wider school community enjoyed sampling all food and smoothies made during the week and voted for the winners of this particular challenge. The red strawberries, led most capably by Imogen Lines-Clarke, were voted as the winners by the rest of the school. However, an additional prize was given to Luke Du Preez, team captain of the green apples, for being an inspiring and motivational team captain."