Yorkshire student wins Rotary Young Chef Competition

Thomas Souter, from Ryedale School, beat eight finalists in a competition that attracted over 4,000 entrants from across the country. The young chef impressed the judging panel with a three course meal at Rotary's Great Britain and Ireland National Final, held at Westminster Kingsway College. Thomas's starter was a salad of langoustine on marinated goat's cheese with confit of cherry tomatoes and a citrus mayonnaise. This was followed by a Trio of duck served with thyme mash and orange sauce. Dessert comprises fresh vanilla pot with a compote of rhubarb. Gary Hunter, head of culinary Arts at Westminster Kingsway College, commented: "The standard of the young chefs in the Rotary Young Chef competition has been fantastic. The level of cooking and the knowledge of the competitors were extremely high and I would welcome any of the eight finalists to study at Westminster Kingsway College in the future." Thomas was presented with the Rotary Young Chef Rose Bowl trophy, a cheque for £250, a trip to this year's Olive Oil harvest in Tuscany, and a day's experience at Fifteen restaurant, which was founded by ex-Westminster Kingsway College student, Jamie Oliver. Weblink: www.westking.ac.uk