A 21-YEAR-OLD who works in a village inn at Crosthwaite has been named as Cumbria’s Young Chef of the Year.

Scott Fairweather, 21, wowed the judges earlier this month with his starter of Morecambe Bay sea bass, belly of pork with Lune Valley Smokehouse, buttered potato main course, and dessert of coffee panna cotta with Goosnargh duck egg crème anglaise.

His prestige prize was presented at the Best of Lakeland Show at Braithwaite Fold in Bowness.

Scott, who is head chef at The Punch Bowl, Crosthwaite, said: “I feel on top of the world. I was really impressed by the standard of all the chefs in the competition and am going to get in as many hours of practice as possible."

He will now go forward to represent Cumbria in the north west regional final at Manchester College on June 12.

More than 80 exhibitors were represented at the show which was attended by hoteliers, restauranteurs and members of the public.

Exhibitors included Dale Farm Lakeland, The Pampered Chef, Westmorland Furniture Company and K Village. There was also an extensive culinary theatre demonstration list, which featured chefs including award-winning Master Chef of Great Britain, Brian Mellor.

Although described as quieter than previous years, stall holders said they gained some good business leads over the two days.

Dale Farm Lakeland’s Claire Fleming said: “This event was an ideal opportunity for people to sample our products and we have had a lot of interest. Everyone is wanting local foods these days so it’s good to show it off.“