February 18, 2014 1.21 pm This story is over 121 months old

Lincoln pupil cooks up a storm in competition

Super chef: A pupil at a Lincoln school has made it through to the next heat of a cookery competition.

Rachel Lawson (right) with her food teacher, Linda Rodgers.

A student at a Lincoln school has made it into the next round a national cookery competition thanks to a three course meal.

William Farr School pupil Rachel Lawson (14) impressed judges with her three course meal of Mediterranean vegetable frittata with salad and tomato and paprika chicken served with Hasselback potatoes, glazed carrots and broccoli florets main course, followed by pears poached in ginger syrup with stem ginger shortbread and Chantilly cream.

Her skilled dishes meant she came second in the district heat of the competition run by the Rotary Club of Lincoln Colonia.

She entered the competition due to encouragement from teacher Linda Rodger, and had only two hours to create something healthy and within a budget.

She will now progress to a regional round held in Mansfield next month.

Rachel Lawson said: “It was really exciting working with the chefs and cooking for huge numbers of people.

“I really enjoy cooking at home and at school and I’m thrilled to have won this round of the competition.

“My family are really proud of me as I had to practice a lot to get my dishes perfect but I’ll be trying to come up with an even better menu for the next round.”

During the competition, Rachel also visited the kitchens at the Lincoln Hotel.

Food teacher Linda Rodger added: “I suggested to Rachel that she entered the competition because she has a natural ability and flair for cooking.

“I’m so delighted that she won through this round and we’ll be doing our best to help her progress even further.”

Headteacher Andy Stones said: “We are really proud of Rachel. She is one of the youngest contestants in the competition but it hasn’t daunted her and she has done incredibly well to get to this stage.

“We encourage all our pupils to give their best and Rachel’s achievements are a shining example of what can be achieved if you are passionate and committed.”