MINI masterchefs demonstrated their culinary ability at an Olympic themed competition this week.

Year 8 students from Wroughton’s Ridgeway School took part in the Eat Like An Athlete final, which saw youngsters cook healthy and tasty meals which could be served to an Olympian.

Inspired by the road to Rio, the students had just two hours to cook up a nutritionally-balanced, delicious tasting and good-looking plate of food with efforts including chicken salad, sushi and chorizo and prawns.

With the best 18 selected for the grand final, Ridgeway students cooked up a culinary feast for judges, author and creator of the Eat Like an Athlete programme Kate Percy and her husband, managing director Mark Bolton-Jones.

They run Go Faster Foods which encourages people to eat nutritionally balanced foods for better athletic performance.

The Eat Like An Athlete competition saw 13-year-old Sophie Powell take home the gold medal for her salmon, sweet potato and quinoa dish.

Kate said about winner Sophie:

“Every element had thought put into it, Sophie had really done her research and the food was cooked perfectly and tasted delicious.”

Mark added: “I have been very impressed with what they have turned out today. As young people there needs to be a focus on eating healthily particularly with the problems of childhood obesity.

“Their food is delicious and they have really listened and taken on board the benefits of eating healthily in the dishes they have created.”

Food technology leader Karylea Dalley said the student’s delicious dishes and innovation had impressed her.

“When I left school I couldn’t cook like this so I am so impressed that they were able to do this. Parents say they are cooking all the time now.

“I would never have been able to do this at age 13 and I am even going to start using their ideas, I am very proud.”

Pupils were presented with Go Faster Food aprons and cookery books, along with certificates celebrate their achievements