In an impressive showcase of culinary talent, Carmen Abbiss, a Year 9 student from St Dunstan's School in Glastonbury, has secured the second place in the final round of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership 'Young Chef of the Year' competition, held at Writhlington School.

Carmen's remarkable achievement comes amidst fierce competition from students across 10 other schools in the trust, all tasked with creating a main course dish for two people, using seasonal ingredients, within a tight budget of £15 and a 90-minute time frame.

For her entry, Carmen prepared a dish titled 'Herby lamb, Spring vegetables and creamed mashed potatoes'.

She impressed the judges not only in the school heats but also in the high-pressure environment of the final competition.

The panel of judges for the competition included distinguished names such as Josh Egerton, a Michelin star chef and three-time Great British Menu competitor; Martin Blake, Head Chef at The Royal Crescent in Bath; Steven Shore, a former chef at The Moody Goose at the Priory, Michelin star recipient and Arthur David Development chef; and Alun Williams, CEO of Midsomer Norton Schools' Partnership.

Reflecting on Carmen's success, Hannah Potter, Head of Design and Technology, Art, ICT, and PE at St Dunstan's, said, "We are incredibly proud of Carmen for achieving second place. The judges commented on her flavour combination, organisation and use of seasonal ingredients."

Carmen's reward for her culinary prowess is a masterclass with the Michelin Star chef Pierre Koffman in London