A CHEF from Oakworth Primary School who tasted success in a national contest last year is urging others to enter.

Kirsty McAndrew was amongst 11 contenders from across the UK who battled it out in the finals of the LACA School Chef of the Year competition.

She mixed it with the nation's best after winning the Yorkshire & Humberside heats.

Now, as entries to the 30th-anniversary 2024 contest open, Kirsty is encouraging other school chefs to register.

She says: "My company, Midshire Signature Services, encouraged me to be part of the competition as they knew how passionate I was about highlighting the high-quality food we as school chefs serve to our children every day.

"As well as showcasing how far school dinners have come and how amazing they can be, I used the competition as a way to broaden my own skills and knowledge.

"One of my favourite moments throughout the competition was designing my own menu, when I was able to use a wide range of versatile ingredients from different suppliers. Reaching the finals was also a fantastic experience – the whole event was an eye-opener and encouraged me to think outside the box more when it comes to keeping school dinners exciting and innovative.

"To other school chefs across Yorkshire, my message is simple – you must enter! There are so many benefits; you get to meet and share ideas with other great chefs, and you can show your creative flair."

For the national final, Kirsty produced a main dish of Soy-glazed chicken with egg noodles and Chinese-style stir fry vegetables, followed by a dessert of banana custard cheesecake layered with homemade granola.

Her dishes now feature in a new recipe book produced by the competition’s headline sponsor, Bisto, to mark the event's anniversary.

Sarah Robb – for Premier Foods Foodservice, which includes the Bisto brand – says: "The book is a celebration of the passion, dedication and talent that school chefs such as Kirsty bring to their kitchens every day.

"We believe that by sharing the recipes as the competition reaches its 30th anniversary, we can inspire other school chefs across Yorkshire to embrace the unique challenges of the event which – as we know from previous years – offers many benefits from both a personal and professional standpoint."

For more about the competition and to register, visit laca.co.uk/form/scoty-registration-form

The registration deadline is Friday, January 26.