NATHAN Morgan (pictured) from Dene Magna School has won the local heat of the Future Chef competition, a national school programme which inspires young people to develop their culinary talent.

The competition was held at Gloucestershire College Cheltenham campus and Nathan created a two course meal consisting of Thai chicken on a bed of fragrant rice, followed by upside-down pineapple cake encased in a sugar cage.

His winning menu obviously tickled the judges' tastebuds. Nathan was presented with a Roux brothers cookery book and certificate and he now has the opportunity to receive mentoring from Shaun Naen, head chef at Gloucestershire college, before he competes in the South West regional final in Tiverton on February 8.