A PUPIL from Queen’s College has come up top in a cooking competition.

The area’s heat for the Rotary Junior Chef of the Year competition took place at the Quantock Restaurant at Bridgwater & Taunton College on January 24.

The event, organised by the Rotary Club of Taunton, saw the young contestants from Queen’s, King’s College and The Castle School, prepare a three-course meal in two hours.

The winner was James Mockridge, a Year 9 student at Queen’s College, who now moves on to the next stage of the competition in Yeovil this week (February 9).

James – along with two other Queen’s contestants – was supported by the school’s Executive Chef, Mr Denis Turner, who taught them advanced technical and presentation skills.

Mr Turner said afterwards: “I was really pleased with all three students for their effort and hard work.

“James scooping first place was the icing on the cake – we’re all very proud of him.”

Trevor Snow, chairman of Taunton Rotary Club’s youth opportunities committee, said: “This competition gives young people the opportunity to achieve important skills that will stand them in good stead throughout their lives, which fits the Rotary ideal of helping improve life in the community. We would really like students from more local schools to take part in this great competition in future years.”