The District Final of Rotary's Young Chef 2011 competition, held at Marling School, Stroud, Gloucestershire this year, was once again sponsored by Target Catering Equipment.

Prizes, which included a set of professional quality Raymond Blanc saucepans for the winner, Raymond Blanc frypan set for the runner up and Meyer professional frypans for the best starter, best main course, and best dessert.

Judges Terry Woodcock of Hatherley Manor Hotel, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Michael Croft of Calcot Manor Hotel, Tetbury, Gloucestershire and Martin Christopher of Duchy Catering Ltd, Schlumberger, Gloucestershire, awarded first prize to 14 year old Sophie Piccirilli of Wyedean School, Chepstow, Gloicestershire.

Winner Sophie Piccirilli from Wyedean School, Chepstow, Gloucestershire, with her menu including:

Starter: Hand made spinach and ricotta ravioli

Main Course: Cod loin stuffed with her own pesto recipe, wrapped in pancetta - oven baked with tomatoes and black olives, accompanied by a gratin dauphinois

Desert: Lemon mousse with a twist

Runner up was Danny Bridgeman from Cirencester Kingshil School, Gloucestershire, with his menu consisting of:

Starter: Butternut squash ravioli with a chilli and rosemary dressing

Main Course: Chicken breast with apple tart tatin, spinach and carrots - followed by

Dessert: Chocolate cheesecake with chocolate sauce.

Parents and food technology teachers watched proudly on as all the students produced outstanding food showing great culinary skills in this high pressure, competitive event.

Michael Croft commented that the ingenuity and new ideas he had seen created by the competitors would not be out of place in professional restaurants.

It was a real credit to students, teachers, parents and Rotary Club members who give their time and support this competition each year.

The Regional National Final will be held in Builth Wells on April 9th with the Grand Final being held in Stratford Upon Avon this year, the winner of which will receive a cheque for £250, win an amazing trip for two to Tuscany to visit Filippo Berio's olive grove "La Traversagna" and sample the delights of Italian cuisine plus a day with Michelin-starred Chef Phil Thompson at Augberge du Lac set in the magnificent parkland of Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire.