A TEENAGER with a talent for cooking has moved a step closer to a national final and wowed judges with her chicken dish in a local qualifier.

Liberty Wells, 14, from Kingstone High School beat three other hopefuls to win the local heat and secure her place in the regional final.

Liberty impressed judges with her winning menu of stuffed chicken and parma ham served with dauphinoise potatoes, honey roasted carrots and pea puree followed by almond and summer berry roulade.

On winning the qualifier Liberty said: “I’m so glad I’ve won and cannot wait to work with my mentor ready for the regional final. All of the competitors did a great job.”

To prepare for the next round of the competition Liberty will be mentored by Stuart Leggett from Herefordshire and Ludlow College.

Head Judge Stuart Mcleod, Development Director Zuidam UK said: “The students have all cooked some fantastic dishes and have all shown great creativity, they should all be very proud.”

Springboard’s FutureChef is a nationwide culinary initiative which helps young people aged 12 to 16 cook their way through a series of challenges, it also provides invaluable lessons and an insight into the culinary industry.