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When youngsters from East Anglia return to school next month, they will be faced with what has been described as “one of their toughest academic challenges” – to create the tallest jelly.

The Institute of Food Research's Tallest Jelly competition is open to schools throughout Norfolk as part of the EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival. Building a structure from Jelly more than 10cm tall is no easy task due to its strength.

To make the jelly stronger the children will either have to increase the gel strength or give the jelly structure using other edible materials.

This year's challenge is taking place on Friday 30th September at The Forum, in Norwich, and gives pupils the opportunity to get involved in the county-wide Food Festival, whilst also developing their food technology, chemistry and engineering skills.

Judging the event this year is BBC Look East Presenter Mike Liggins. Prizes will be awarded to all entries taking part, as well as additional prizes to the winners of the Primary (up to year six), Secondary (up to year 11) and Sixth Form categories, and an overall prize for the best school.

Event organiser Dee Rawsthorne PHD, from The Institute of Food Research, said: "The IFR is delighted to host the Tallest Jelly Competition, which is now in its fifth year.

"It's great to see the children getting stuck in and we never cease to be amazed at the scientific thinking that goes into the entries."