Despite being the youngest taking part, Falmouth School student Lauren Turvey saw off tough competition to win the district final of the Rotary Young Chef contest.

The youngster secured her hat-trick in the competition last week after earlier coming out on top at the school, county and now the district finals held in Barnstaple. She now progresses through to the regional finals, to be held on April 1, when a place in the national finals is at stake.

Much like in the first two rounds, Lauren last week wowed the judges in Devon with her three course menu that has proved to be both extremely popular and successful, not to mention delicious.

The 11-year-old's winter menu is made up of pan fried monkfish served on a bed of leeks with a chilli and garlic butter for starters; followed by Cornish breast of chicken wrapped in prosciutto ham, roasted seasonal vegetables, dauphinoise potatoes and a redcurrant jus and for dessert, vanilla and cinnamon poached pear, handpicked blackberries with homemade shortbread.

Lauren competed against nine other district finalists and once again was the youngest student in the competition. Falmouth School technology teacher Miss Gaiety said: “The whole school is behind Lauren and we’re incredibly proud of what she’s done even to this point. I’m sure everyone will be keeping a keen eye on her progress in April and we all hope she can progress to the national final.”

After her latest success, Lauren was presented with her Chef's Jacket, a competitors certificate, a winners trophy, along with the shield which has to be returned next year.