Two young would be MasterChefs battled out for top spot in the Great Schools' Cook Off final in front of the crowds of food enthusiasts at the Exeter's South West Food and Drink Festival this weekend.

The young contestants, Melissa Johnson, 15 from The Kings School and Kathryn McDowell, 15 from Exmouth Community College showed off their culinary skills after having beaten off 9 fellow school colleagues, drawn from schools from Exeter and across Devon, in the competitions' semi-finals held at the Skills Kitchen at Exeter College at the end of March.

The competition, organised by Exeter College and sponsored by Stagecoach, originated from an idea with Michael Caines, one of the Festival’s founders, governor at the college and founder and mentor for the college's elite hospitality training academy – Michael Caines Academy.

“Working in partnership with the schools we devised this challenge to show the public that flock to the Food Festival each year the massive talent we have in the county for the high standard of catering and hospitality in our young people.” said Rob Bosworth, Assistant Principal Exeter College, “We are very proud of the achievements of all the catering and hospitality students that join the college, and we felt it was important to celebrate the talent of even younger students in the schools in the area. And what a competition!”

The young pupils were challenged to prepare and cook ambitious menus for less than £7.50 in the pressurised performance that mirrors the popular TV Cook Off.

Kathryn, who moved from the States 8 years ago, created an American style burger which was praised by the judges but they chose Melissa's tasty treat of pan fried grey mullet and hearts of palms as ultimate winner.

And presenting Melissa with her winner's plate was Ruth Maddicks – last year’s winner from Uffculme who said “I felt quite nervous for the contestants.”

Proud sponsors Stagecoach supplied prizes for both the finalists, Kathryn received a 4 week gold megarider ticket and Melissa received a 13 week gold megarider ticket. Michael Caines offered signed copies of his new cookery book to each of the finalists and triumphant winner Melissa, also received dinner at Abode Exeter.