John Kyrle High School pupil Tyler Griffiths produced a stunning lasagne dish for the Young Chef of the Year Competition.

Judge and TV chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli told him his dish would not be out of place in a Michelin star restaurant.

Tyler told the Ross Gazette that he found the competition a great experience and, although stressful, it was really enjoyable. He said he had learned a lot.

At the end of April, 30 Year 10 pupils from John Kyrle participated in the Young Chef Competition which is organised by AiP (Alliance in Partnership). Pupils had to produce a main meal in 1¼ hours that would be suitable to serve in a school canteen.

The competition was judged by Jim Woods and Stephen Williams, from the school restaurant and Tyler prepared the winning dish of Chicken, Pancetta and Spinach Open Lasagne. In second place was Felicity Milliner and third place went to Beth Mason.

The final of the competition took place on May 10th, when Tyler joined other finalists in the University of Birmingham School to prepare a dish for a judging panel.

Tyler was supported by his mum, his grandad and members of John Kyrle school staff, including Headteacher Nigel Griffiths, John Docherty, Business Manager, Jacky Bartlett, Head of Food Technology, and Jim Woods, AiP.

They all watched while Tyler prepared, cooked and served his signature dish of open lasagne.

Nigel Griffiths said: “This is a great competition with which we are involved every year. In addition to spurring on the competitive spirit, this competition is a great way to enhance the high quality of Food Technology within the school and the focus we have upon healthy lifestyles.”