SCOUTS have competed in a budget cooking contest.

Members of Durham City District Scouts were challenged to cook a three-course meal on gas stoves within 90 minutes, to simulate the camping experience.

Each team of two to three people had a maximum budget of £6 per person. Eight teams took part.

The contest judge was Tom Jackson, head chef at Durham’s highly rated Finbarr’s restaurant.

Mr Jackson, who took part in the contest himself as a Durham Scout about 15 years ago, was very impressed with the standard of cooking and enthusiasm of the participants.

The winning team was Kirsten and Calum Scott, of 4th Durham (Gilesgate). Their menu was: fish soup with French bread, spicy chilli chicken with rice and strawberry surprise.

Bradley Bainbridge and Cameron Robinson came was second, while Emily Anderson and Charlotte Boyle finished third. Both these teams were from 5th Durham Scouts.