A student from Penair School in Truro has won the South West regional heat of a top culinary competition - and will now go on to the national finals.

Fifteen-year-old Anna West has reached Springboard's FutureChef national final, after beating tough competition in the South West.

The regional heat took place on February 10 at Petroc College in Tiverton, and the Truro-based student won by serving a delicious menu of venison, pomme, broccoli and Stilton purée.

Now Anna will go on to compete in the national final, held at Westminster Kingsway College in London on March 27.

The FutureChef competition directly relates to the national curriculum and gives young people valuable life skills.

It aims to tackle the severe skills shortage facing hospitality by inspiring 12 to 16-year-olds to develop their cooking skills and understanding of nutrition.

The competition features a four-stage national competition, annually involving 8,000 participants, and includes classroom resources, chef demonstrations and skills challenges.

Anna said: "Through meeting all of the chef judges and cooking in industrial kitchens, FutureChef has given me a taste of what being a chef would be like and has demonstrated to me what an exciting and rewarding career it could be.

"Taking part in Future Chef has introduced me to new cooking skills and improved my organisation and confidence; but most of all, FutureChef has helped me to realise what I'm capable of.

"Before trying out the competition in Year 8, I didn't cook much at all, apart from the odd cupcake.

"So, competing in the FutureChef competition has introduced me to the world of catering and has shown me how much I love it.”

Judge Sanjay Kumar, from St Austell Brewery, said: “It was great to have the opportunity to judge the FutureChef South West regional final competition this year on behalf of St Austell Brewery.

"I was impressed by the skill levels, dedication and grit of budding chefs of all ages and it is refreshing to spot talent and encourage each one of them to work towards becoming successful chefs in the future.

"Keep pushing yourselves chefs, the world is your oyster, if you put your hearts into it.”

James Rowberry, Springboard Cornwall regional manager said: “Springboard’s FutureChef was developed as a result of research into young people’s ideas about the hospitality industry.

"Research revealed that young people really admire high-profile celebrity chefs, yet surprisingly few genuinely consider a career as a chef.

"Springboard’s FutureChef provides teachers and young people with a wonderful insight into the wealth of career opportunities that the hospitality sector has to offer.”