A PONTELAND schoolgirl is heading for the district finals of a young chef competition after the next generation of talented cooks gathered for a local heat.

Pupils from Ponteland High, Ponteland Middle and Richard Coates Middle schools gathered for the local heat of the Rotary Young Chef Competition at Ponteland High School in November 2016.

And winner Sabrina Jackland, a year 9 student at the high school, won the top prize, receiving £25 and being entered into the district finals next month.

Sabrina prepared a menu of chicken in mushroom sauce followed by her gran’s speciality of a lemon and raspberry cheesecake.

Head judge Bob Crosby represented the Rotary Club and noted how difficult it was to select just one overall winner.

He said the judges were particularly impressed by Sabrina’s meticulous planning, the technical execution of the dish and her presentation.

Sabrina will take part in the district finals on February 18. If successful, she will move on to the regional finals.