STUDENTS have created healthy dishes that could be included in their school's menu.

Year nine pupils at Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College were challenged by catering company Scolarest to come up with school meals as part of their food technology course.

They designed and costed a nutritionally balanced meal using healthy cooking methods, trained catering staff on how to prepare the food and marketed their dishes.

Scolarest nutritionist Gina Gorvett, marketing manager Andrea Walton and operations managers Andy Sellars and Simon Snee gave talks to pupils.

Three shortlisted meals were served as part of the school's lunch menu and judges from Scolarest and food technology teacher Julie Gardner picked the winner.

Developed by students Sam Porter and Amy Blower, the winning meal was prawn and ham shaker salad served with tomato and herb bread wedge followed by bread and butter pudding and custard.

Mr Sellars said: "All the dishes devised by the students sold out when they were served at lunchtime but we chose Sam and Amy's meal because we felt it was the healthiest combination."

The meals may be made available for by all Scolarest school chefs.