A young chef is celebrating after winning the local heats of a national cookery competition.

Rebekah Armistead, who is in Year 11 at Hertswood Academy in Borehamwood, beat 11 other students from six schools in the first round of the Rotary Young Chef of the Year Competition.

The food technology student cooked a healthy main course and dessert for two and presented her dish to a panel of judges.

The competition was hosted by the Rotary Club of Watford and was held at West Herts College, with sponsorship and vouchers donated by Sainsbury’s.

Participants, including another Hertswood pupil Bradley Duignan, had the chance to prepare their dishes in a professional kitchen with guidance from established chefs.

Headteacher Peter Gillett said: “This was a fantastic achievement for our students and the local community.

“Good luck to Rebekah, who will now take part in the district heats in Hitchin in February and hopefully the national finals in Dundee later in the year.”