Spicy Weardale lamb served with cous cous and a plum chutney followed by sticky apple sponge with a fruity coulis proved to be a winning combination for school cook Lyn Pearson.

Miss Pearson, of Wolsingham Primary School, County Durham, matched her skills against chefs from all over the country to be named Scolarest School Cook of the Year.

A judging panel which included celebrity chef Lesley Walters and Scolarest directors Gerry Woods and Tony Sanders was looking for a two-course meal that had nutritional balance, flavour, colour, texture and taste.

Teacher Lilian Flint and two pupils from the competition host school, Tanfield Comprehensive, in Stanley, County Durham, were also asked for their opinions.

The victory comes shortly after Miss Pearson was named best school cook in the county by the Local Authorities Catering Association, with the same menu.

Lesley Walters, who is a regular on television's Ready Steady Cook, said: "I was very impressed by the high standards and imaginative approach demonstrated by everyone who took part in the competition. They are dedicated to their jobs and produced some great dishes."