TWO young cookery students from Somerset have come out top in a competition.

Robert Dowell and Poppy MacKay, from the King Alfred School Academy in Highbridge, took part in the Rotary Southern Regional Young Chef Final.

Robert was a runner up and Poppy finished fourth with judges ‘commendation award’ at the regional rotary finals in Hampshire.

There were 13 candidates who took part in the competition, all aged between 12 and 16.

Teacher Natasha King said: “I am so proud as a teacher and tutor to all these students. All of them achieved what was required and more. They would all have been worthy winners.”

The pair were tasked with creating a menu for two people with a budget of £20 and a time limit of two hours.

Robert’s menu included:

  • BBQ chicken wings with sour cream and chive dip
  • Pollock wrapped in Parma ham with boiled potatoes asparagus tomatoes on the vine with a lemon sauce
  • Panna cotta served with a raspberry coulis and hazelnut praline

Poppy's menu included:

  • Brochette starter
  • Smoked salmon and spicy red pepper ravioli
  • A trio of lemon dessert

They were supported by family members, with Natasha plus technician Kim King from TKASA and Rotary president Chris Ashton and Rotarian Bernard Raines.

Chris added: “It was a tough decision for the judges. Poppy achieved 4th place with the judges commendation award and Robert was a runner up.”