College of West Anglia student Deniss Lusnikovs has reached the Rotary Young Chef regional final.

At stake is a place in the 2010 national final at Stratford-upon-Avon Catering College in Warwickshire on Saturday, April 30. The nationwide competition is sponsored by the Rotary Club for secondary school-age chefs.

Diploma student Deniss, 17, said he had never entered a cookery competition. 'I just saw a leaflet about the competition on the wall at the college and thought I'd like to see how far I could go,' he said.

'I handed over the paperwork and money, and everyone wished me luck. I have the belief in myself that I can achieve something, and am just looking at how I can improve my skills.'

Following victory in the district final on Saturday at Bury St Edmunds, Deniss will be one of eight candidates at the regional stage on Saturday, March 19 at North Hertfordshire College in Hitchin.

Deniss has to devise a three-course meal for two working with fresh, seasonal and healthy ingredients.

The budding chefs have half-an-hour for preparation and two hours to cook.

Deniss is keeping his menu a secret: 'There may be some changes, and I have some ideas that I am working on.'

The winner will receive a cheque for �250, a trip to visit a Tuscan grove, and spend a day with Michelin-starred chef Phil Thompson at Augberge du Lac, in Hertfordshire.