YOUNG chefs from throughout Cumbria served up a treat for judges in a cookery competition final last week.

The Cumbria final of the Rotary Club's Filippo Berrio Young Chef of the Year competition was held at Dowdales School, in Dalton-in-Furness, with competitors from schools and colleges around the county hoping to be one of two to make it through to the North West regional final in March.

6000 teenage cooks entered the competition, with just 10 taking part in Thursday's final. They had to create a three course meal for two, at no more than £15 per head.

Competitor Jack Balchin, 17, of Lakes College, was making pan fried mackerel with a lemon hollandaise for his main.

He said: "It's good, I've always liked cooking – I want to become a chef and own my own restaurant one day."

Among the judges was celebrity chef Michael Moore, who was delighted to be involved.

Mr Moore said: "I think it's something that encourages a lot of young people to get into an amazing trade. For me, it's the best trade in the world."

The winner was on the night was Lucelia Price, 15, from The Lakes School, Troutbeck.

Her menu was a starter of prawns on a bed of leeks and oyster mushrooms, garnished with spring onions; a main of black miso cod, green beans, courgettes and fluffy white rice; and for dessert she made five spice plums poached with cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns and star anise, served with the option of cream.

The runner-up was 13-year-old Charlotte Robinson from Millom School.

Ken Day of the Rotary Club of Ulverston said: "It was a very successful event. There were no losers, every dish produced by the competitors was of restaurant standard."