Talented youngsters hungry for success competed against each other last week for the title of Pembrokeshire Rotary Club Young Chef 2011.

Hosted in the college's industry standard kitchens, students from across the county competed with gusto to earn a place in the district finals and take home the much sought-after title.

Given just two hours to prep and produce a three-course dinner for two for under £15, with a healthy eating theme, the heat was on for these budding chefs.

Organised by Chris Williams, on behalf of the Rotary Club, it wasn't just the young chefs who were under pressure; the judges too had a difficult decision to make.

Phil Corp, competition judge and a retired lecturer in hospitality and catering, presented the awards and commented: "All the students have done exceptionally well. They are working under pressure in a strange environment with unfamiliar people. I am happy to say that the future of catering in West Wales will be safe in their hands for many years to come."

Competition organiser Chris added: "The judges had to go through a lot of deliberations to reach their final decision. The scores were incredibly close and it was hard to separate first and second place positions. Well done to everyone who has taken part."

Catrin Thomas, from Croesgoch, near St. David's, a catering student at the college, was announced as the winner with her menu of Thai chicken soup, grilled salmon with ginger and orange sauce served with carrots and fondant potatoes and spiced poached pears served with a honey scented crème fraiche. Lowri Evans, a pupil at Tasker Milward School, picked up second place.

Catrin will now be invited to compete in the Rotary district final in Builth Wells on March 3 where she will be sponsored once again by Tenby Rotary.