STUDENTS at North Cestrian Grammar School in Altrincham will be rising to the challenge in a British Bake Off style competition to celebrate the opening of their new food technology kitchens.

In a Paul Holywood and Mary Berry fashion, headmaster Lee Bergin and Rachael Watts, owner of Café Gourmand in Hale, will judge the students’ creations as they are taken through seven baking heats in the lead up to Christmas.

Lee Bergin said: “Food Technology is expanding in the curriculum this year so we wanted to do something fun to educate the children and get them enthused about home baking.

“The chefs at Café Gourmand make delicious cakes so we’re thrilled to have Rachael involved in the judging and I’m sure the students will rise to the challenge.”

Rachael Watts, owner of Café Gourmand in Hale, said: “Thanks to the Great British Bake Off the UK has gone baking crazy.

“We want to help find the best junior baking talent at North Cestrian Grammar School so we’ll be giving some tips and advice on how to create the perfect bake.

“It’s great to see that they are already so excited to learn about making their own food from scratch and I can’t wait to taste their creations.”

The final will take place on the December 17, when the winning pupil will be announced. The best baker will be named North Cestrian junior baking champion and will be awarded with vouchers to spend in Café Gourmand.

To keep up to date with the competition seetwitter.com/NorthCestrianGS