TALENTED Wiveliscombe teenager Katrina Nightingale has come runner-up in the Rotary Young Chef Awards 2024.

Katrina, aged 16, who attends the town’s Kingsmead School, cooked her way through four challenging rounds to reach the national final.

Inspired by the top-quality local produce associated with Somerset, Katrina cooked up a storm with her final dish, a pan-seared Exmoor pork tenderloin, with fondant potatoes, herb-roasted carrots, parsnip puree, and purple-sprouting broccoli, with a Somerset honey and mustard cream sauce.

Katrina further tickled the judge’s tastebuds by dishing up a tantalising lemon mousse, served with fresh local raspberries and white chocolate-drizzled Viennese biscuits.

Sponsored by Rotary Wiveliscombe, Katrina’s path to the final saw her triumph in a series of qualifying rounds, including district and regional finals.

Katrina had just two hours to prepare and serve her final dish, which was judged by Filippo Berio marketing manager and long-time supporter of the contest Lisa Mullins, and Heart of Worcestershire College catering lecturer Elaine Wroblewska.

A Rotary Wiveliscombe spokesperson said: “We are so proud of Katrina’s achievements and are thrilled she not only reached the final of Rotary Young Chef 2024, but was named runner-up.

“Her food is a fantastic celebration of the region, which is known for producing some of the most delicious produce the UK has to offer.

“We are sure Katrina has a bright future ahead, and cannot wait to try some more of her delicious food.”

The final was sponsored by Italian food giant Filippo Berio and held in St Benedict’s High School, in Alcester, close to Rotary Great Britain and Ireland’s headquarters.

The Rotary Young Chef competition has been shining a spotlight on some of Britain and Ireland’s brightest culinary talent for more than 15 years.

It is open to young people aged 11 to 17 years, and attracts hundreds of entrants each year nominated by Rotary clubs across the two countries.

More information about Rotary’s competitions and programmes for young people can be found online at www.rotarygbi.org.

Rotary has 35,000 members in more than 1,500 clubs who volunteer their time and talents to tackle challenges at home and abroad.