CAREERS week got off to a tasty start as youngsters devised a banana burger in a special Design a Dessert Competition.

Oakwood Infant and Primary School, in Clacton,invited people from a host of different careers to speak to the children about their jobs.

This year a nurse, optician, estate agent, kitchen manager, vicar and a school caretaker came to chat to the children about what they do at work.

One of the speakers, school kitchen manager Debra Fairhead, set the children a design a dessert challenge as part of her presentation.

The top prize for the pupil with the most exciting recipe was a chef’s outfit and the chance to dish up the delicious creation on the school’s lunch menu.

Seven-year-old Alfie Newton scooped first place with his banana burger dessert, which was served to other children in the school.

The dish was made up of a banana cake ‘bun’ with a cream, sliced banana and chocolate sauce filling made to look like a burger.

Lots of other pupils also entered the competition with their own ideas, including Chocolate Orange Cookies and a Yummy Caramel Cheesecake.

Headteacher Kathy Maguire said: “I was delighted to see so many children take part in the Design a Dessert Competition.

“The recipe suggestions were mouth-watering and it was very difficult to pick a winner.

“Well done to all the children who took part.”