This year Melanie Harris represented Charters at The East Berkshire final of the national “Young Chef” competition organised by the Rotary Club. Melanie competed against eight other schools in the area. Her challenge was to prepare and serve a healthy two course meal for two people for under £10. Melanie considered the design brief carefully and prepared a menu of red onion and goat’s cheese tartlets followed by chicken cooked in a homemade pesto and crème fraiche sauce, served with wild rice and a selection of fresh vegetables.

It was a lovely evening with supporters able to follow the action in the kitchen via a video link while enjoying a delicious buffet .

Melanie produced some lovely dishes and although she did not win this round of the competition, the judges commented that the standard of work this year was extremely high and that the winner achieved the perfect score!

Congratulations to Mel on a fantastic effort.