SIX schools – about 1,100 children – have signed up for West Somerset’s first Junior Bake-Off which gets underway this month.

Two professional chefs are involved in the bake-off for children in years four to eight at St Peter’s and Danesfield in Williton, Old Cleeve and Minehead Middle, First and St Michael’s schools.

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

The aim is to inspire the children to learn a new skill, raise their aspirations, develop an interest in hospitality and catering – key industries for the area – and to improve transitions between years four and five, and eight and nine.

Initial heats will see pupils cooking in pairs to produce shortbread. The winning pair and runners-up will be invited to take part in a masterclass with the professionals – Werner Hartholt, of Butlin’s, and Paul Ruttledge, of 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 & Co who are covering the in costs of ingredients, baking equipment and competition prizes.