WINCHESTER schoolchildren will have the chance of revenge over Britain's dinner ladies as they help to judge a national cookery competition.

Ten school cooks are coming to Worthy Down barracks on Wednesday to battle it out for School Chef of the Year.

But they will have to impress a panel of 11-year-olds from South Wonston Primary School, who will lay their rule over offerings of chicken charmoula, toad in the hole and sunshine trifle.

Contestants from across the country, including two dinner men, have to cook a main course and dessert suitable for an 11-year-old, spending no more than £1.60 per child.

The Lead Association for Catering in Education, the competition organisers, invite two South Wonston pupils to judge every year, but have rewarded the school's enthusiasm by allowing another six to join them this year.

The judging panel also includes Andy Saupe, a professional chef at Worthy Down barracks, a council catering expert, a leading dietician and last year's winner, Tanya Watkin.

The cook-off, organised by the Lead Association for Catering in Education, aims to stir passion for canteen cooking and boost standards. The cook-off starts at 1pm on Wednesday.