STUDENTS at Ayrshire College were treated to an award-winning masterclass recently.

Well-known chocolatier Shona Sutherland joined pupils at the Ayr campus to give help and guidance as part of their Professional Cookery (patisserie and confectionery) course.

Students got the chance to learn techniques working with the tasty treat.

Shona said: “We covered lots of techniques including textured plinth, flower petals, cocoa butter colouring, metallic, airbrushing, branches, piping butterflies, casting eggs and curls with chocolate putty.

“All students showed great enthusiasm and produced brilliants show pieces.”

Livia Alexander, hospitality lecturer, said: “The students couldn’t believe how much can be done with chocolate.

“It was amazing to see their sense of achievement.”

Margaret Martin, student, said “I’ve learnt so much today. It’s been really interesting and I’ve enjoyed being able to be creative and have my own input to the design.”