Kitchen whizz kid Harvey Hunt, of Sheldon School, beat off competition from 11 other contestants to win the Rotary Young Chef competition held at Hardenhuish School last week.

The 15-year-old came out on top when he competed against other youngsters from Chippenham’s three secondary schools to prepare a two-course meal for two people for £12.

Rotarian Graham Baskerville said: “The expression ‘if you can’t stand the heat – get out of the kitchen’ was very relevant on the sweltering hot afternoon of the competition, yet all 12 Rotary young chefs seemed cool and efficient as they prepared a two-course meal for two people.

“Rotary provided £10 and the youngsters, from Years 9 and 10, could add £2 if they wished to include a special ingredient.

“They had to submit menus, costings and a cooking schedule to fit half an hour preparation and one and a half hours cooking time.”

Former Wiltshire county advisor Jacqui Stephens judged the event and said the students all performed outstandingly.

“The meals were well presented, delicious, cooked to perfection and within the limited budget,” she said. “It was a splendid effort.”

She voted Harvey’s main course of marinated satay chicken with home made chips and coleslaw followed by rhubarb and lemon tarts in first place, while Charlotte Melling of Abbeyfield School came second and Verity Ferris of Sheldon was third.

The Sheldon team members Harvey Hunt, Joe Emsley, Verity Ferris and Eva Heimpel secured the £100 Rotary cheque for the best team performance.

Chris King, David Light, Callum Leslie and Rebecca Mytton represented Hardenhuish and Sadie Isaac, Jodie Sargent, Charlotte Richardson, and Charlotte Melling made up the Abbeyfield team.

The Mayor of Chippenham, Sandra Oakes and Rotarian John Wilcock presented the certificates and awards and the parents arrived to sample the food.

Rotary Young Chef is part of a national competition and top chef Harvey will go forward to a district event early in 2011.