YOUNG Cotswold chefs impressed judges in the Rotary Young Chef Competition.

The first rounds of the competition take place in schools, with each winner going forward to one of the regional semi finals in January.

Eight young chefs from the Cotswold School Academy took part in an initial round earlier this month, where they were set the challenge to produce a three-course meal for two, on a budget of £15, in just two hours. The judging panel featured lead judge Jim Dee, a teacher and former chef at The Old Butchers in Stow-on-the-Wold, Catherine Roffe, a governor, and Bob Hadley, a rotarian and governor.

They judged the competition on various criteria including taste, presentation, temperature and healthy choice of dishes.

After a tough competition the winner was announced as 14-year-old Lucas Butler from Great Rissington, who produced mackerel fillet with gremolata, followed by chargrilled chicken with potato and romesco cakes and asparagus, and a cinnamon-spiced pear tarte tartin with vanilla ice cream.

Lucas is aiming to make a career in the catering industry, and has previously prepared desserts for Cotswold's pub The Lamb Inn.

Runners up were Grace Francis, aged 14, and Lauren Farley, aged 12.

Mr Hadley said: “The Cotswold School has once more shown that it can encourage and develop talent.

"North Cotswolds Rotary Club would like to thank design and technology teachers Cath Lamb and Matt Smith for the time and effort they have put in to make this competition such a success."

"We wish Lucas the best of luck in the next round.”