The competitors – from St Francis of Assisi Catholic Technology College and Grace Academy Darlaston - were challenged to devise and cook a two-course meal for two, inspired by a particular country.

Their dishes were judged by Aspens food and beverage executive Ken Tee and Neil Atkins, head chef from the Fairlawns Hotel, Aldridge. St Francis of Assisi food technology teacher Tracy Stevens was one of the main organisers of the event.

St Francis of Assisi student Niahm was the winner with a presented Chinese-themed menu of stir-fried chicken with noodles followed by a lychee, blackberry and apple crumble. “It was a really fun day and what impressed us most was how professional all the students were,” said Tony Mansell of Aspens Services, who also helped organise the competition.

“Events like this are a fantastic way to engage students’ imaginations and help them develop their cooking skills.  It was so exciting to see the students rise to the challenge of cooking in the pressure of a competition environment and the standard of dishes was excellent. Niamh won because her dishes both looked and tasted great.”

Niamh was presented with an iPod, an authentic MasterChef apron, a Fairlawns cook book and a meal for four at Fairlawns. The runners-up – Abigail from Grace Academy Darlaston and Eliza from St Francis of Assisi – both received MasterChef aprons and cookbooks.