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Talented local young chefs compete for national crown at Loughborough College

Posted: 28th November 2016 - 7:50pm

A culinary crown was up for grabs as seven talented young chefs from local schools showcased their skills at Loughborough College this week in the Springboard Futurechef local final.

With the chance for the winner to go through to the regional final in February taking them a step closer to the National Final in London in March, the hopefuls took up the challenge to showcase their cooking skills.

Judges included Loughborough College Hospitality student Emily Bucknall, fresh from joining the British Craft Guild of Chefs team at the 2016 International Culinary Olympics, Steve Fletcher from Delaware North and Head Judge James Larkin from Compass.

Thomas Simpson, 12, from Hinckley Academy triumphed after impressing the judges with tray baked salmon with olives, green beans and tomatoes followed by a banana and chocolate cake.

Also taking part was Lewis A’Barrow, from Hinckley Academy, Lois Willett and Hannah Thurston from South Charnwood High School, Jacob Reid from Hastings School and Yasmina Locke and Isabella Mulvihull from Ratcliffe College.

Loughborough College Hospitality Lead Darren Creed, who was a bronze medal winner at this year’s International Culinary Olympics, said: "We were delighted to host the Springboard FutureChef local finals. This competition is very important to us as a college and to schools in the area.

“It is vital to support young people keen to enter the industry and we were proud to have our student Emily Bucknall join the judging panel - and to continue to act as an ambassador for young female chefs.

“The quality and calibre of the food at this year’s local final was outstanding and we would like to join in congratulating Thomas on his win. We are now looking forward to the East Midlands regional final in February.”

Springboard’s FutureChef is a nationwide culinary initiative which helps young people aged 12-16 cook their way through a series of challenges, providing invaluable lessons and insight into the culinary industry.

Pictured left to right: Springboard’s Sophie Green, judges Steve Fletcher and James Larkin, Loughborough College’s Emily Bucknall and (centre) winner Thomas Simpson from Hinckley Academy