SCHOOLCHILDREN from across Glasgow are gearing up for a tough cookery challenge.

Pupils from 12 high schools will be hoping to cook up a storm when they get hands on experience from one of the UK's top chefs.

They will have to prepare and serve a three-course meal to invited guests - under the watchful eye of Brian Maule and a team of well-known chefs from some of the city's top restaurants and hotels.

It's part of the Culinary Excellence programme, now in its 19th year, a 12-week initiative designed to teach pupils life skills as well as cookery.

It starts with Springburn Academy's lunch event at Brian Maule's restaurant, Chardon d'Or in the city centre on Tuesday.

Other schools taking part include Bannerman High, Shawlands Academy and Smithycroft Secondary.