SCHOOLBOY Austin Nelder has been crowned this year’s Exmoor Young Chef champion after cooking up a three-course meal in his own school’s kitchen.

Austin, who lives in Cutcombe, impressed a panel of judges who included a runner-up in television’s MasterChef.

He is a year nine pupil at West Somerset College, Minehead, where the finals of this year’s Exmoor Young Chef competition were held.

Five youngsters made it through to the finals of the contest, the third year it has been organised by Visit Exmoor, the Rotary Club of Minehead, and Butlin’s.

The other finalists were fellow college year nine pupils Tasmine Swallow, of Roadwater, and Helaina Sherrin, of Carhampton, 16-year-old Edward Nosworthy, who attends Kingsmead School, Wiveliscombe, and Ryan Tolhurst-Gunn, of Tiverton, who is in year nine at Cullompton Community College.

They were tasked with creating a three-course meal in just two hours on a budget of £22, using locally sourced ingredients.

The dishes prepared by the five finalists were judged by Bridgwater and Taunton College chef James Jones and MasterChef 2024 runner-up Louise Lyons MacLeod, whose expert feedback provided some invaluable insights for the youngsters.

Renowned restaurant critic and MasterChef judge William Sitwell, who lives near Wiveliscombe, also gave his support to the event and offered inspiration to the five young chefs.

The event, sponsored by Bidfood and Brend Hotels, was aimed at raising awareness of food, local sourcing, and the dynamic career opportunities available in the area’s hospitality industry.

Austin will now go on to take part in the Barnstaple Food Fair, and all five youngsters were also invited for a celebratory meal at the Quantock Restaurant in Bridgwater and Taunton College, where some of the dishes from the competition will be served.

Butlin’s also presented a set of professional kitchen knives to each finalist to recognise their hard work and dedication.

Visit Exmoor chief executive Emma Thomasson said: “This competition has become a true showcase of the young talent in our region and highlights the importance of local sourcing and sustainable practices in the culinary world.

“We are incredibly proud of all the finalists and their passion for cooking.

“The Exmoor Young Chef competition is about inspiring the next generation and demonstrating the diverse and exciting opportunities in the hospitality sector.

“Austin’s win is a testament to the hard work and creativity that all the participants have shown.”

Butlin’s group development chef Werner Hartholt said: “It is always a privilege to mentor and support these talented young chefs.

“The skills they have developed, their creativity, and their ability to work under pressure are remarkable.

“We look forward to seeing them flourish in their culinary careers and are proud to have played a part in their journey.”

A host of professional mentor chefs from across the area also supported this year’s event, which provided the young culinary talents with an opportunity to showcase their skills in a high-pressure environment.

Visit Exmoor through its Centre of Excellence runs several initiatives aimed at nurturing local talent.