Young hopefuls book their places in Futurechef final

Two 14-year-old school pupils have triumphed in the first two regional finals of Springboard UK's 2003 FutureChef competition.

Kathryn Hatton (pictured left with judge Brian Turner) from Fairfield High School in Widnes, Cheshire, wrapped up the North-west final, held at the SkillCity event in Manchester, while Gregory Howard (pictured with judge Michael Caines and Christina Magill, Springboard's national programmes project manager) from Pittville School in Cheltenham won his cook-off in the South-west regional final. Both events took place last month and competitors were asked to produce a two-course menu for £7.50.

Hatton produced loin of lamb with a black pudding gravy, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes and shallots, followed by strawberry meringue with a chocolate sauce and cream. Howard cooked Mediterranean chicken with vegetables and egg noodle ribbons, followed by hot chocolate souffl‚s.

Both victors now have the chance to compete in the grand final in London on 28 February, which will be judged by Brian Turner, Gary Rhodes, Paul Heathcote and Michael Caines.

The overall winner will win a culinary holiday in Germany and Luxembourg, courtesy of one of the competition's sponsors, Villeroy & Boch. The other regional finals will be held next month.

FutureChef is an annual competition designed to find the UK's top young chef, aged between 12 and 16. It also aims to encourage culinary skills among young people and promote the opportunities available in the catering industry. There are 30,000 chef vacancies nationwide, a shortage that Springboard UK is keen to eradicate.