Budding young chefs from Burnham-On-Sea battled it out when they took part in a nationwide Rotary Club Young Chef Competition this week.
The event saw Year 11 students from King Alfred School being asked to prepare a two-course healthy meal for two teenagers comprising of a main course and either a starter or a dessert with a budget of just £5. They were allowed 15 minutes of preparation time and 90 minutes to cook their meal.
This year’s event, which was organised locally by Burnham Rotary Club, was held in King Alfred School and invited guests included headmaster Dr Keith Diffey, Deputy Head Andrew Owen and Head of Year 11 Andrew Davies.
The winner, 16-year-old Nicholas Bennett (pictured right), received the winner’s cup, a voucher for £15, a hamper and a certificate. Second was Lewis Tuck, who received a voucher for £10, a hamper and a certificate, while third place went to Danielle Hughes who received a voucher for £5 and a certificate. The three runners-up were Hayley Titmus, Chelsi Payne and Jorden Emmett, who all received certificates.
Burnham Rotary Club spokesman George Moon said: “Congratulations to everyone who took part, the standard of work was excellent. So often we are only shown the negative side of teenagers – it was good to see the positive side showing enthusiasm and dedication, especially when under pressure from GCSE studies.”
“Our grateful thanks go to Maggie Howells, Head of Food Technology, and the staff of King Alfred School for working with us and allowing Rotary the use of the School facilities.”
Rotary President Mike Young Presented the RCH Brewery Cup, which had been given to the Rotary Club by Dennis Davey, plus WH Smith vouchers from Brake Bros, and hampers from G&S Fruit and Vegetable Suppliers.
Organiser Jenny Taylor added: “Our winner, Nicholas, now goes on to the regional Rotary Club Young Chef Finals, which will be held at Wincanton in March 2007.”
Photos show Nicholas Bennett receiving the RCH Brewery Cup from Rotary president Mike Young; and, top, Chelsi Payne, Danielle Hughes (3rd place), Mike Young, Lewis Tuck (runner-up), Nicholas Bennett (winner).
