A BUDDING young chef from Pewsey Vale School will put her culinary skills to the test this weekend when she takes part in a regional cooking competition.

Eleanor West, 14, will be representing the Marlborough and District Rotary Club in the nationwide Young Chef Competition in Bristol on Saturday.

The Year 10 pupil, who won a cook-off with her schoolmates back in November, will line up against 19 pupils from across the south west, hoping to reach the final of the tournament, which is hosted every year by rotary clubs across the country.

“I am really looking forward to it. I am sure that I will be nervous on the day but overall I am really excited,” she said.

“The judge really liked my duck with braised cabbage and spiced carrot puree and poached pears with red wine. My dad is a chef so he has given me a few tips and he was delighted when I said I had got through to the next stage.

“I have to cook a three-course meal on Saturday and hopefully it goes well.”

President of the Marlborough rotary branch, Sally Wolfenden, said: “Every year rotary clubs across the country host tournaments for young people in areas such as cooking, music and writing.

“We approached Pewsey Vale and eight pupils entered and Eleanor, who is very talented won. I wish her the best of luck as she will be competing against people who are a couple of years older than her.”

Teacher Bridget Sparks said: “She is a very talented and ambitious cook. Her pears are to die for. I am sure that she will do herself proud.”