Tracey Ford from Gillingham School has become the South West School Chef of the Year 2018.

Tracey, who also entered last year, scooped the award after beat off the challenge of nine other contestants in the Regional Finals held on Tuesday 16 January 2018 at St Katherine’s School, Bristol.

She now goes through to the National Final of the LACA School Chef of the Year 2018 competition to be held on 8 March 2018 in Stratford Upon Avon.

It is the first time a ‘dinner lady’ from Dorset has won the regional title.

Each contestant in the regional final had to cook their dishes against the clock and under the scrutiny of a panel of judges.

They had 90 minutes to prepare four portions of a main course and a dessert suitable for serving to 11 year olds in school

Tracey’s two winning dishes:

MAIN COURSE: Healthy Italy – Gnocchi in Rustic Tomato Sauce with Roasted Vegetables served with Cauliflower, Garlic & Parmesan Sticks

DESSERT: Italy’s Best Kept Secret – Panna Cotta on a Shredded Wheat base with a zesty Beetroot Sauce