SCHOOL pupils in West Somerset are on a roll as they take part in a baking competition with guidance from professional chefs.

The West Somerset Schools’ Bake Off involves pupils in Years Four to Eight in six schools - St Peter’s and Danesfield in Williton, Old Cleeve and, in Minehead, St Michael’s, Minehead First and Minehead Middle.

The project involves a partnership of the West Somerset Academies Trust, West Coast 360, Butlin’s, The Beach Hotel, West Somerset Council, Jobcentre Plus and West Somerset College.

Paul Ruttledge, chef at the Beach Hotel in Minehead, is providing his expertise and said he had felt initial trepidation when standing in front of 32 children at the start of the process.

“Now I’m no stranger to teaching, as I teach professional cookery to level two and three students, but this was daunting. 

“What an absolute pleasure it has been. I’ve not seen youngsters engage, compete and have so much fun in years.

“They have all entered into the spirit of the competition embracing this new life skill they are learning (baking) and a lot of the children want to go home to make shortbread for their families.

“If we can instill this kind of interest in each and every child we have touched with this competition, think how much better their lives, their families, their health and the community would be.”

Butlin’s Minehead resort director Julian Highfield said: “This presents us with an excellent opportunity to engage with the students from such a young age, and it’s a privilege for our team to be able to pass on skills, knowledge and experiences to them.

“As a potential future employer, it also allows us the chance to show the students the career opportunities that are available at Butlin’s and in the wider West Somerset hospitality industry.”

Dave Jackson, manager of the Beach Hotel, is representing West Coast 360 and said: “West Coast 360 is really proud to be involved with this great initiative.

“With our professional chefs creating links to the classroom, it creates an opportunity to inspire so many youngsters and to start a relationship with business and training providers from an early age.  This will be hugely beneficial in the long term.”

Initial heats have seen pupils cooking in pairs to produce shortbread.

The winning pair and runners-up will be invited to take part in a masterclass with professionals Werner Hartholt (Butlin’s) and Paul Ruttledge (The Beach Hotel), scheduled to take place at West Somerset College on Tuesday March. 13

The final bake-off, a week later on March 20, will see the pupils going head to head with their bakes being scored by a panel of judges who will decided on the overall winners.

A number of local businesses have also pledged to support the event including Brook Food Processing Equipment and Arthur David and Co. who are covering the in costs of ingredients, baking equipment and competition prizes.