Worcestershire School Food Awards reveal a winner

Catering manager for national state and independent education catering provider Alliance in Partnership (AIP), Michelle Downes has been awarded School Cook of the year in the Worcestershire School Food Awards after impressing judges with her firecracker sausage menu. The awards, now in their third year, are organised by Worcestershire County Council as part of their Healthy School's Programme, which is designed to promote a positive healthy environment within schools to ensure good health, behaviour and achievement for pupils. Downes competed against other nominated finalists in a one-hour stage cook off at the Three Counties Show, held at Malvern on 18th June, creating sausages in a spicy tomato sauce with mashed potato and basil, julienne carrots, peas, roasted tomatoes and finished with a mouth-watering homemade strawberry cheesecake. She said: "It was nerve-racking and we had to comment throughout the preparation to an audience of 100's, everyone was so talented; it was a real challenge to win over the judges." Downes has received the award after only joining St. Augustine's Catholic High School in Redditch since February. Julia Marshall, Worcestershire Council Catering Officer said: "The school cook award gives caterers a chance to show their flair and imagination. Michelle's confidence and enthusiasm shone through and her menu was appetising, well balanced and used local and seasonal produce. A worthy winner and ambassador for the county and Alliance in Partnership."