A West Norfolk cookery student who aims to follow in the footsteps of Delia Smith, is through to the next round of a national competition, after wowing judges in the local heat of the Young Chef of the Year competition.

Lauren Smith, 17, from Gayton, near King's Lynn, whetted the judges' appetites with a three-course meal comprising Thai style mussels, pan-fried fillet of sea bream with carrot and avocado salad, and filo stuffed pear with chocolate sauce.

The College of West Anglia student, who is studying professional cookery, now heads to the district finals on February 14, 2015.

She said: 'It was a fantastic experience entering the competition and I'm now looking forward to the next round.'

The heat was held at the college's own Vancouver restaurant, and her course director, Jonathan Boyall said it was a 'fantastic achievement'.

The Rotary Young Chef competition, which is organised by Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland, is a four-stage national competition to support and encourage development of cookery skills.

It's open to all students in full-time education between ages 11 and 17 on August 31.

The heat was judged by local food heroes Les Philp, owner of Grants restaurant in Norfolk Street, Lynn, and Colin Rushmore, who is now retired after spending many years running his own establishments.

Both praised the work of the students and the high standard of cooking that the entrants, who are on the level 2 professional cookery course, had shown. Entrants were required to prepare a three-course healthy meal comprising a starter, main course and dessert for two people costing less than £15, within two hours.

Miss Smith was presented with the Matthew Hunt Memorial Trophy and a £30 book token, by Trinity Rotary Club of King's Lynn representative, Bert Cook.

• Are you taking part in a national competition? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk