A group of budding chefs have missed out on the chance to serve their specially created gourmet dishes to the Queen after being pipped to the regal post in a national cooking competition.

The team of eight hopefuls from Gresham's prep school in Holt, made it through to the final of the Cook for the Queen contest - which invited children across the country to come up with menu celebrating the Diamond Jubilee - but were not picked as one of the four lucky winners.

The pupils had come up with a range of dishes, inspired by Norfolk's home grown produce, with a little extra help from Michelin-starred chef Galton Blackiston.

Despite not making the final cut their culinary creations will be plated up locally as they will be served at the annual drinks party for Gresham's parents' association in September.

The winning schools, from Kettering, Oban, Eastlington in Gloucestershire and Penzance, were announced today and their canap�s will now be served at a special reception attended by the Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall next month.