Dudley schoolgirl named young chef of the year

Yasmin Fellows, who attends Ridgewood High School, was crowned for her unique take on the roast beef dinner and lemon meringue pie.

The 14-year-old will now spend up to five days working with top chefs at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire, as well as have a VIP masterclass with TV chef Glynn Purnell at Michelin-starred Purnell’s in Birmingham.

Yasmin said: "I initially thought my dishes would be unimaginative compared to the others, but then thought my most favourite meal ever is a Sunday roast.

"My nan and mum make amazing roast dinners, so I wanted to create my own version, including rich flavours to make it really tasty.

"Lemon meringue pie is an absolute favourite dessert of mine. I love the contrasting textures of the crumbly pastry, smooth lemon filling and fluffy meringue and think they really work well together. You can also get really creative when presenting it."

The youngster also won an iPad Air, lunch for four at Purnell's and a year's free subscription to YouTube recipe channel SORTED.

Yasmin’s food technology teacher Rebecca Lawrence said she was thrilled at Yasmin’s win, especially as the school won £500 towards cookery equipment.

Making her even prouder, it is the second year running a student from Ridgewood has won the competition, now in its fourth year.

Ms Lawrence said: "I am so proud of Yasmin. She has worked very hard towards this competition and deserves her success.

"This is an amazing competition that gives gifted and talented pupils an opportunity to challenge themselves and experience a professional environment. It is a privilege to work with such talented and committed students."