Poppy picked as Mexborough's top young chef

PROMISING chef Poppy Dickinson cooked up a treat and walked off with the top prize at a contest to find the Gordon Ramsey or Nigella Lawson of the future.

The 12-year-old kitchen whizz beat off the competition from five other finalists to win the overall title at Mexborough Rotary Club's annual Young Chef Competition.

The youngsters had to prepare, cook and present a healthy two-course meal for two people within a £5 budget.

All the meals were prepared in the training kitchens of Dearne Valley College and served in the on-site Griffin Restaurant.

The young chefs were judged on their healthy menu options, planning and organisational skills, hygiene, preparation skills, presentation of the final dishes and the taste of their creations.

Sue Ransom, principal at Dearne Valley College, joined Rotherham caterers Trevor Womble and Neville Cook from the Brecon Hotel on the judging panel and declared Poppy the winner after tasting her French onion soup and chicken biryani.

Poppy, who was presented with a trophy, a £25 gift voucher, and a chef's uniform, will now go on to a regional final next year.

Her school, St Pius X Catholic School, will be now able to choose a piece of food technology equipment worth up to £150.