A Kirkby Stephen Grammar School pupil has been awarded the top title of The Leading Hotels of Cumbria Young Chef 2012.

Fiona Lambert triumphed in the locally organised cooking competition, after cooking her way through four rigorous rounds of the competition.

In the final she cooked up a culinary storm and created a three-course meal for four people for £20.

Fiona, whose final menu included crispy lemon plaice with potted shrimps and cucumber, home reared pork fillet stuffed with apple and Jervaulx blue cheese with roast potatoes, winter roots and cider sauce, followed by poached pear with caramel sauce with homemade vanilla ice cream and ginger biscuit.

Fiona said: "I can’t believe I’ve won."

"I didn’t think I would get this far at all but I’m really happy – I just hope I’m not expected to cook for the rest of my family every night from now on."

As part of her prize, Fiona will go on to complete a summer placement at the multi-award winning Gilpin Lodge Hotel, a full set of chef’s whites and a competition trophy.

Runner-up in the competition was fellow-pupil Bethany Woof.

Local MP for Penrith and the Border Rory Stewart, who was one of the competition’s judges, said: “We were particularly impressed with Fiona’s professional approach and her ability to remain calm under pressure.

"I am confident Fiona has a successful culinary career ahead of her and I hope this competition has encouraged her to use her skills in our beautiful region.”

Cumbria Tourism Chairman Eric Robson, one of the competition’s judges, said: “ I hope this experience inspires other young people to get involved in next year’s competition.”

The competition was the brain child of Simon and Wendy Bennett of Augill Castle, and Wendy said: "Although only in its first year, the competition has been a real success and it’s been great fun to be a part of it.

"We hope this experience will encourage all participants to consider careers in some of Cumbria’s best kitchens.”