SIX teams of Scouts chopped, sizzled, boiled and stirred to impress the judges at a West Dorset District Scout Council cook-off.

The contest was the brainchild of the Rev Duncan Wilson, who is on the committee of West Bay Sea Scouts, and proved an immensely popular and successful event.

Rev Wilson came up with the menu - cauliflower polonaise, mustardy sausages with apple and Baden-Powell Glory - and gave the teams an hour to prepare, cook and serve the meal.

The Scouts, both boys and girls, had two rings to use and were also judged on their presentation, including laying the table.

Mr Wilson said: "I was not surprised about them being able to cook but I was surprised at how many took part. I set the challenge in November and said that groups could organise as many rehearsals of the menu as time and money allowed them, and I believe some of them went to the trouble of getting in professional cooks to give them tips.

"I did set the West Bay Sea Scouts a cooking challenge last year which was also a great success and now they are talking about setting a county-wide challenge later in the year because other leaders in the area are interested."

The judges included Bridport Mayor Geoff Ackerman and the prize was presented to Beaminster 1st Scouts by county commissioner Mike Parkes.