THE chefs of tomorrow cooked up some real treats in a close run competition at West Somerset Community College, in Minehead, on Saturday (October 7).

Katrina Nightingale, of Wiveliscombe, was eventually crowned Exmoor Young Chef of the Year in the final of the contest for 12 to 16-year-olds.

Runner up in the challenge to use locally produced food to craft a three-course menu in two hours was Amy Wickens, of Rodhuish.

Competing under strict competition criteria, the finalists, who also included Oliver Parsons, of Yeovil, Sapphire Haddon, of Minehead, and Romesh Molligoda, of Braunton, impressed the judges with their creativity and culinary passion.

The Exmoor Young Chef of the Year competition, in its second year and part of the Visit Exmoor Centre of Excellence, offers a platform to spotlight the dynamic careers in the industry locally.

The experience gained though such events, as well as the mentorship opportunities provided by industry professionals, inspires and provides life experiences for young people.

Broadcaster, food critic and Master Chef judge William Sitwell attended the event.

He said: “As someone entrenched in the culinary world, I was genuinely awestruck by the Exmoor Young Chef of the Year competition.

"If I hadn’t been told beforehand, I would never have guessed these dishes came from the hands of young talent.

"Their culinary skills matched seasoned chefs, delivering dishes on time, showcasing their impeccable organisation and maintaining composure under pressure.

"But it’s not all about taste. A truly remarkable chef embodies these traits, and I saw this in abundance amongst the finalists.

"Their menus were not only delicious, but also innovative, shedding the light on the best of local ingredients.

"What Visit Exmoor and their partners are doing here is vital.

"Cultivating a rich food culture and bridging the gap between seasoned chefs and young aspirants is crucial to the future of hospitality."

As well as celebrating young people's culinary skills, the competition also contributes to a growth of a local food culture.

The event is made possible by the efforts of Visit Exmoor, Exmoor National Park, Minehead Rotary Club, West Somerset Community College, Bridgwater and Taunton College, Petroc College, Brend Hotels and Butlin's.