PUPILS from Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton cooked up a storm at a regional ‘future chef’ competition.

Year 10 students Ruby Payn and Holly McCluskey took part in the Rotary Future Chef district heat at Exeter College’s @34 restaurant – with Ruby eventually finishing runner-up.

Eight budding young chefs aged 14 to 17 from Devon schools had to cook a delicious but healthy three-course meal in two hours and on a budget of £15.

Ruby cooked a prawn bisque starter, chicken breast stuffed wrapped in Parma ham and stuffed with sundried tomatoes and pesto as her main – and apple, date and prune crumble as desert.

Ruby said: “I was overwhelmed and delighted to have come in second place – I was up against the top eight students in the district.

“I now cannot wait for the next part of the competition.”

Food technology teacher Sue Vanden said: “Both girls worked hard to achieve their places in the competition. Ruby and Holly were both congratulated on their skills and restaurant-quality food – I am very proud of them both.”

Ruby will now compete in the South-West heat at River Cottage on February 24.