Sarah Burke, from Knoxland Primary in Dumbarton, Rhoda Hannah from Gavinburn Primary School in Old Kilpatrick, and Juley Rea from St Eunan’s Primary School in Clydebank, were selected for the showcase at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow.

The trio joined 12 other school caterers from across Scotland to train with top chefs for a day and prepare a three-course meal for over 500 guests from the Hotel Industry Trust Scotland.

As part of the hotel industry’s autumn lunch programme, the guests were all completely unaware that their meal had been prepared by school caterers.

The identity of the chefs was revealed at the end of the lunch when the school catering staff were led onto the floor instead of the Radisson’s chefs.

The event aimed to change perceptions of the food offered in schools and highlight the talent which exists in school kitchens.

Rhoda Hannah, catering manager from Gavinburn, said it was a fantastic experience to cook alongside professional chefs and meet her peers from schools across the country.

“I was a bit apprehensive about attending but I’m so glad I did it. It was a great experience.” Lynda McLaughlin, leisure and facilities manager the council, added: “Our catering staff do a fantastic job in providing healthy, nutritious, delicious meals for our school pupils.

“They work away quietly in the background and don’t often get the chance to showcase what they can do to a wider audience.”