A challenge to serve up their best plates of food for a pair of judges had groups of youngsters cooking up a storm as an annual culinary contest returned.

And while it may have been a far cry from cooking on an open camp fire, numerous scouts showed just how competent chefs they are.

Lowestoft Journal: Some of the competing cooks at the Scouts culinary competition. Picture: Mick HowesSome of the competing cooks at the Scouts culinary competition. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The scouts from five local groups competed in the Lowestoft District Scouts Cookery Competition at the Pakefield Scout headquarters in Kendal Road, as they battled it out to impress the judges by preparing a three-course meal.

The teams of three scouts each from 4th Lowestoft, 14th Lowestoft,1st Pakefield, 1st Oulton Broad and 2nd Carlton Colville were faced with the task of cooking a balanced meal using just a two-ring gas burner and with ingredients costing not more than £6 per head.

Lowestoft Journal: Some of the competing cooks at the Scouts culinary competition. Picture: Mick HowesSome of the competing cooks at the Scouts culinary competition. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Two of the three courses had to be cooked and served hot with all dishes prepared from raw ingredients during the competition.

The meals were judged not only on good cooking but also on presentation, time keeping, organisation, the originality and imagination of the menu and good hygiene.

Lowestoft Journal: Some of the competing cooks at the Scouts culinary competition. Picture: Mick HowesSome of the competing cooks at the Scouts culinary competition. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The teams had just two hours to complete the meal and they were expected to eat their own food as well as to clean and wash-up afterwards.

Lowestoft Journal: Some of the competing cooks at the Scouts culinary competition. Picture: Mick HowesSome of the competing cooks at the Scouts culinary competition. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts Richard Brabben said: "The standard of menus, cooking and presentation was one of the highest in the many years the event has been run.

Lowestoft Journal: Some of the competing cooks at the Scouts culinary competition. Picture: Mick HowesSome of the competing cooks at the Scouts culinary competition. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"With menus ranging from Sweet Chilli Kebabs and Tex-Mex Burgers to Homemade Pizza and Veggie Chilli Nachos the youngsters were taught the need to be organised and work well together, they also learnt about food hygiene and how to handle meat safely."

The judges for the day Melissa and Kevin Baldwin had a difficult time determining the eventual winners but were able to taste all three courses from each troop, before making their decision.

Lowestoft Journal: The successful Scouts after the culinary competition. Picture: Mick HowesThe successful Scouts after the culinary competition. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Winners were 1st Oulton Broad, who just pipped 14th Lowestoft who were runners up.