A BUDDING chef is to compete for a regional apprentice prize after winning a county competition.

Blackburn College Apprentice Josh Root, 17, has won the Lancashire Heat of Springboard’s Future Chef Competion.

He will now compete at the North West Regional Finals in February.

Josh is studying for a Level 2 Professional Cookery Apprenticeship at Blackburn College, gaining his practical experience at Northcote Manor and looking forward to pursuing a career as a professional chef.

Josh said: “I am ecstatic to have won the regional competition.

“I thought really carefully about my menu and tried to use what I have learnt as an Apprentice to showcase my skills.

“The competition is such a fantastic way of encouraging young chefs to pursue a career in Catering and I have really enjoyed taking part.

“I am really looking forward to competing in the North West Regional Finals at The Manchester College and testing my skills further.”

Lisa Allen, Executive Chef at Northcote Manor and Josh’s mentor said: “It is a great achievement to win any competition but Future Chef is a fantastic competition as it encourages young students to strive and achieve.

“Well done Josh and good luck for the next round.”

The national scheme aims to engage and encourage students under 17 to consider a future as a professional chef, challenging students to design, cost and produce a menu within a strict time frame and a £7 budget.