BUDDING chef Collete Stride beat 60 other aspiring Gordon Ramsays and Delia Smiths to roast her way to victory in a fiercely fought cook-off.

The dishs that wowed the judges were tea-smoked duck with roasted squash salad and orange sauce followed by vanilla poached pear with butterscotch sauce.

As the winner of the local round of Rotary Young Chef of the Year Collete, and runner-up Jake Martin, will go through to represent the New Forest Rotary Club in the district final.

The cook-off was between Year 10 pupils from Hounsdown School.

The lovingly prepared dishes were judged by professional chefs Scot Foy and Gary Watling.

As well as a cash prize Collete and Jake will get the chance to see cooking at the sharp end in the restaurants of the two judges and be put forward to the regional round.

The winner of the national heat will get to go to Tuscany to visit the plantation of the competition sponsor Filippo Berio Olive Oil, learn about commercial cooking and work with Jamie Oliver in one of his acclaimed eateries.

The competition was organised by Rotarian Geoffrey Gook and community development officer Doreen Longman.

Geoffrey said: “The standard was outstanding, I think everyone was completely overwhelmed and even the chefs were full of admiration. I just can’t see how the standard can get any higher.”

SIMON CARR