College of West Anglia Professional Cookery student Lauren Smith has taken first prize in the district final of the Rotary Young Chef 2015 competition. The final for the competition, which was held at the College of West Anglia, was the next stage of the national competition and consisted of the winners from local heats held across Rotary International’s 1080 district. Lauren’s three course meal tickled the judge’s taste buds, beating 7 competitors from schools and colleges across the east in the contest, seeing her through to the regional final. Lauren’s three course meal consisted of Thai Style Mussels, Sea Bream on a warm carrot salad and Layered Cheesecake. Lauren, 17 from Gayton, said “It was a real shock to win and I’m now really looking forward to the regional final. It’s given me experience and a confidence boost along the way”. “ The rules of the completion were simple, the meal needed to be prepared in two hours, be healthy and comprise of a starter, main course and dessert for two people costing less than £15. Head of CWA’s Faculty of Hospitality & Catering, Hilary Auld said “Lauren is a shining example of our professional cookery students. Her talent and calmness under pressure is outstanding and we will all be behind her when she competes in the Regional final”. Lauren now heads to the Regional final on Saturday 14th March at North Herts College in Hitchin, Herts.