A SCHOOL cook didn’t crumble under the pressure in qualifying for the national final of the School Chef of the Year.

Mary Barraclough had 90 minutes to prepare a main course and dessert – costing no more than £1.30 in total – while under the watchful eye of judges in the contest organised by the Lead Association for Catering in Education.

Mrs Barraclough, who works at Abbey Hill Academy & Sixth Form College, in Stockton, prepared spicy basil and tomato chicken with turmeric and raisin rice and chargrilled vegetables, followed by coconut, orange and raspberry panna cotta tart.

The 55-year-old’s offering saw her win through in the North-East and Scotland regional final. She now goes on to compete against nine other regional champions in the national final held in March in Stratford Upon Avon.

A highly-commended award went to fellow school cook Joanne Stoddart, from Wellfield School, Wingate, County Durham, for her Allotment Butterfly dessert – a vegetable muffin topped with orange-infused creme fraiche.

The national winner will receive a trophy, £1000 cash prize, a commemorative plaque, a work experience trip and an invitation to high profile catering industry engagements over the next 12 months.

Mother of-two Mrs Barraclough, from Newtown, Stockton, who has a son, Michael, who is also a chef, tried out her meal on youngsters at the school beforehand.

She said: “There is a lot of preparation involved. I was really nervous and I could not believe I’d won.

“This is the third time I’ve been in the competition, but I was more organised this time.

“I’ll be cooking the same dish again in the final, but I am going to try to get it even better.”