Chef Paul Merrett judged the culinary expertise of budding chefs in the inter-schools Recipe4fun cookery competition.

Children from Heathfield Infants, Heathfield Juniors and Nelson Primary school baked tasty recipes at home which were judged by teachers to find four infant and four junior finalists, with the main criteria being to include a fruit or vegetable.

The eight finalists met at Nelson Primary School with their dishes, which ranged from vegan carrot cup cakes and chicken chow mein to fruit smoothies.

Joining Merrett, who runs the Victoria Hotel in Sheen, on the judging panel was Richmond’s mayor Councillor Rita Palmer, the headteacher and school governors.

Rhianna Donnelly Thomas was chosen winner of the infant category and Owen Walsh won the junior category.

Teacher Sian Pritchard said: “The Recipe4Fun competition has encouraged children to cook from scratch, it has helped them get a grounding in cooking so when they grow up they will know how to cook.”

Merrett said: “It’s been fantastic – it feels like they have won an Oscar.”