GALASHIELS Academy’s Tracey Biggs has picked up the Scottish School Cook of the Year title at a ceremony in Glasgow.

Tracey, who is unit manager for the Academy’s canteen, won thanks to her two-course vegetarian menu of courgette falafels in tantalising wraps with sweet potato wedges and mint dressing followed by a tray of delicious delights.

The mum-of-two from Selkirk initially came through local heats in March at Earlston High before making the final three from a cook off event at The Cook School in Kilmarnock a fortnight ago.

And she was named national champion at the Glasgow ceremony on Thursday after getting the thumbs up from a judging panel which included Masterchef champion Gary Maclean.

Tracey said: “I had to produce a two-course menu for £1.60 with the main criteria being it was on budget and was nutritious.

“It is a difficult challenge to balance both, but I had used my menu at the Academy previously and it had proved popular with the pupils.

“I wasn’t sure how it would be received by the judging panel which included primary school pupils but I was over the moon when it was announced I had won.

“It is great for the school and the council’s catering team.”