A highlight of the day was meeting and cooking for the chef James Martin. At the Final, Mr Martin commented that he particularly liked Amy’s lamb pancake pouches, noting that they were good enough to be served in his restaurant! Although the girls did not win the competition, they both received highly commended certificates, as their dishes had scored significantly for originality, nutritional value, presentation and overall creativity.

Mrs Helen Boczkowski, Head of Food and Nutrition, was delighted. “This is the first year Tormead has entered this event and to have two girls selected for the National Final is fabulous. Both Chloe and Amy developed creative dishes using lamb mince. Amy’s pancake pouches with a lamb, mushroom and feta filling served with grilled halloumi has an authentic Mediterranean taste, and Chloe’s lamb kofta balls with a coriander and mint chutney served with chapattis has a spicy Asian kick to it.”