A YOUNG chef who first won plaudits for his cooking last year has reached the latest round of a national competition.

Jason Curia, from Northallerton, is through to the regional stage of the Rotary Club’s young chef of the year competition.

The 12-year-old won a qualifying heat last year, organised by Northallerton Mowbray Rotary Club, at Allertonshire School, where he is a pupil.

After finishing as a runner-up in the district round, held on Monday, at Betty’s Cookery School, in Harrogate, Jason will represent the local Rotary branch at the regional final.

He will be joined by 16-year-old James Hutchinson, from Skipton.

The final will be held in Mexborough, South Yorkshire, in March.

The district round saw nine contestants, ranging from 12 to 16 years old, competing against each other.

Jason had to cook and present a healthy, three-course healthy meal for two, on a budget of £15.

His served a goat’s cheese and red onion filo pastry parcel, followed by home made beef meatballs with Ditali pasta, with an apple and pear wholemeal crumble for dessert.

The judges praised Jason's meal.

Afterwards, Jason said: "The judges seemed to like my crumble. I'm delighted to go forward to the next round."

Jason started cooking at an early age.

His father is a restaurateur in Bedale.

The 12-year-old helps his dad by preparing desserts and by doing the washing up at Panetti’s, the family eatery, in North End, Bedale.