A HUNTINGDON school pupil has been named young chef of the year by Cromwell Rotary Club. Josh Longstaff, from Hinchingbrooke School, was awarded a cash prize of £25 after winning first place in the competition. His award-winning dish was oriental-style f

A HUNTINGDON school pupil has been named young chef of the year by Cromwell Rotary Club. Josh Longstaff, from Hinchingbrooke School, was awarded a cash prize of £25 after winning first place in the competition. His award-winning dish was oriental-style fillet of beef followed by a chocolate fondant.Nick Steiger, owner and head chef at The Grange Hotel in Brampton, who was one of the judges said: "Josh's beef dish was well presented and tasty and his fondant was exceptional. "He won because his entry was the most imaginative. The standard of entries this year was very high, as so much of the food used was fresh and prepared on site. It's nice to see young people have an interest in food."Second place went to Sian Richardson from Hinchingbrooke School and Steven Langridge from St Peter's School and Nicholas Bend from Hinchingbrooke School also received awards for taste and presentation. Mick Gunney, head of catering at Hinchingbrooke Police headquarters, was also a judge.The competition was open to children between the ages of 12 and 16 and aims to encourage young people to develop their cookery skills and consider healthy eating options. Participants were asked to write down their best recipe for both a main course and a sweet costing no more than £10, which they then had to produce in no more than three hours.The competition was held at Hinchingbrooke School and sponsored by Waitrose in Huntingdon.