Young cooks from three Swindon schools went head-to-head in the Rotary Club of Swindon North & Thamesdown’s first ever Young Chef competition.
The 18 were each tasked with creating a main course for two people with a budget of £5 and 90 minutes on the clock.
The contestants, aged 13 to 15, rose to the challenge in their kitchen at the Commonweal School.
A Rotary spokesperson said: "As steam rose from the saucepans, students from three schools in Swindon - Commonweal, Great Western Academy and Lydiard Park Academy - kept their cool and wowed a judging panel.
"The panel was led by Wyn Jones, Executive Chef at the prestigious Calcot Manor Hotel in the Cotswolds, who praised the excellent standard of cooking for the age group.
"Competition was fierce, with just a few points separating the top dishes."
The overall winner was Lestyn Lyons of Lydiard Park Academy, who received a £75 Pro-Cook voucher and a Calcot Manor voucher
Second place went to Adrian Dredge of Great Western Academy, who won a £50 Pro-Cook voucher.
Third place went to Sharifa Miah of Lydiard Park Academy, who won a £25 Pro-Cook voucher.
Club President Colin Hornsby presented the prizes and praised the students’ calm under pressure.
A delighted Lestyn said his prize meant he could now buy some decent cooking equipment.
The Commonweal School is keen to host the competition again in 2027.
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