SIX aspiring teenage cooks got a chance to show off their culinary skills in Crickhowell Rotary Club’s Young Chef competition.

Respected chefs Stephen Hindmarsh, owner of the Bear Hotel in the town, his head chef Padrig Jones and Jamie O’Leary, who was formerly a chef at the highly acclaimed Hardwick in Abergavenny but now runs his own restaurant, Jols in Merthyr Tydfil, were the judges.

They tasted the three-course meals the six Year 9 pupils at Crickhowell High School, had to cook and prepare in two hours, using ingredients costing less than £20.

Anika Mather was declared the winner and she will compete in the next round of the competition on the journey to a possible national final. She also won a £20 book token.

Mali Carlsen took second place and Polly Rees third. Tia Foster, Laura Lewis and Gracie Trotman were highly commended.

Rotary club member Graham Crawford said: “The judges were very impressed with the enthusiasm of all the pupils.

“Indeed Michelin starred chef Steve Terry from the Hardwick has offered to hold a masterclass for the pupils to be held in the next few weeks and Padrig Jones, head chef at the Bear Hotel, has offered to ‘take Anika Mather under his wing’ to develop her dishes ready for the next round of the competition and through each subsequent round.”

Head teacher Jackie Parker thanked the judges and the Rotary Club of Crickhowell and said: “These events will stay in the memory of the pupils for many years to come and will inspire them in their future careers and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of the chefs and the Rotary Club of Crickhowell.”