EASY cheesy caterpillars, an apple and lavender cake, a chocolate chip mousse tower and a volcano surprise - junior chefs across Herefordshire, Gloucestershire And Worcestershire have been creating some truly scrumptious concoctions for entry in a new cookery contest.

The Three Counties Recipe Competition at Malvern's Three Counties Show, June 17, 18 and 19 has attracted a feast of innovative dishes from key stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 pupils at schools throughout the region.

Show organiser, the Three Counties Agricultural Society (TCAS), is committed to the promotion of local and regional produce, so entrants were tasked to source all ingredients from three counties suppliers.

Nine finalists, three from each county, will take part in an exciting Competition Cook Off on Friday 17 at next month's food and farming event - expected to attract in the region of 100,000.

Organisers will be serving up a £100 token for the winning school and a delicious regional food hamper for the individual winner, who will also get to meet a top SAS chef at the Three Counties Show, see his or her recipe cooked by a local chef and receive a signed book.

A new Malvern cheese and wine area will house a variety of delicious cheeses and fine wines from around the UK.