LIBERTY Wells, 12, from Kingstone High School has had amazing success with her cooking skills over the past few months.

Having won the school heat of the FutureChef competition in October, Liberty went on to become the Herefordshire representative at the West Midlands regional final last week. Liberty cooked her two course meal for the judges at University College Birmingham. Despite being the youngest competitor by at least two years Liberty finished in second place.

Liberty cooked a main course of chicken wrapped in sage and bacon, served with miniature roast potatoes, green beans and tomatoes, topped off with a cheese sauce made from local Little Hereford. Her dessert was a homemade shortbread layered with vanilla cream, served with raspberry coulis and fresh raspberries.

Jon Murton, from Babcock International, worked with Liberty, to give invaluable advice on how she could improve her techniquesThe judges commented on how talented Liberty was at such a young age.

Future chef is a nationwide competition for 12 to 16 years olds that aims to inspire youngsters to develop their culinary talents. Liberty said the competition was nerve wracking but exciting. She has always been a keen cook and this experience has made her even more enthusiastic about developing her skills and entering the competition again next year.