ARMY chefs from across three divisions have demonstrated their culinary skills in an Easter egg decorating competition, despite it being a tough one to crack.

Forty-three chocolate eggs were entered in the competition and each egg was judged on its originality of design, technical work, and overall appearance.

Lance Corporal Scott Barnett, who is based in Chippenham, decorated his chocolate egg although he was unable to tuck into it after the competition due to being lactose intolerant.

He said: "Although I couldn't eat the egg myself, it was a great chance to get creative, and I would definitely do it again.

"Its a chance to escape from the kitchen we are used to and try something completely different."

Overall competition winner Sergeant Paul Thirlwell, who is based in Catterick, said: "I was ecstatic when they announced I was the overall winner, I really didn't expect to win.

"My first idea for my egg was steampunk-themed, but that really didn’t work out well. In the end I decided to go with the Jack and the Beanstalk idea, and included the golden egg, a goose and magic beans. Little did I know it would go on to be the winning egg.

"I am also a Cub Scout leader so I will be giving my egg to them."

This is the first time the competition, at Battlesbury Barracks in Warminster, has been held at divisional level, as a similar competition was held last year at the lower level of Brigade.

Commanding Officer and competition judge James Kennedy said: "When you consider these army chefs have had no formal training in working with chocolate, they have done extremely well, and everyone's enthusiasm has been astonishing.

"It's friendly competitions like these that bring out the best in everyone."