The 1st Caterham Scout Hut in Park Road, Caterham saw a flurry of culinary activity last Saturday, 15th September, as two teams of cub scouts competed in the 2012 Caterham District Cub Scout Cooking Competition. The teams, from the 1st Caterham and 11th Caterham Scout Groups, each had to prepare a two course meal that had to incorporate a core list of ingredients including meat or quorn, fruit and a fresh vegetable. Another criteria was that the cost of the ingredients should come to no more than ￡5.

Three independent judges were present to judge the competition – Group Scout Leader of 8th Caterham Scounts, Penny Stock, professional chef Giuseppe Buonocore from La Fiaba del Mediterranio restaurant and Julia Church, Editor of the Caterham and District Independent. The judges were asked to score the meals on taste, appearance, presentation and imagination/creativity.

The score was very close but in the end the 11th Caterham Scouts won the competition by a whisker, with their tasty chicken main course and colourful fresh fruit kebabs with melted chocolate dip for desert. The runners up also impressed the judges with their sausage pasta main course and blackberry and sponge finger desert.

Professional chef Giuseppe Buonocore said: "I am really impressed with the meals the cubs have prepared in a scout hut with limited cooking facilities. Both teams used their ingredients to come up with some very tasty and creative dishes."

The winning team will now go on to represent Caterham at the Surrey County semi-final on 20th October.