AN 18-year-old housewife has won The Northern Echo's Cook of the Year competition.

Michelle Bateman, of Darlington, wowed the judges at this year's Homes and Garden event, with her menu of roasted tomatoes with parmesan, olives and basil, chicken on layered potatoes with layered vegetables in a lemon butter and herb sauce, followed by French pear flan with clotted cream.

She saw off tough competition from Rosemary Reeve, of Colburn Village, North Yorkshire, David Taylor, of Peterlee, County Durham, and Rachael Dickinson, of Darlington.

Michelle, who has two young children, cried with delight and threw her arms round her family when the judges announced her win.

The judges were Steve Pashley, store manager of event sponsor Binns, Darlington, Neil Thornton, store manager of event sponsor Morrisons, Darlington, who also provided the food used at the event, Peter Bell, head of the school of hotel, catering and hospitality at Darlington College, Paul Gough of Century Radio and Andrea Gutteridge of The Northern Echo.

Michelle's prize was £1,000 of kitchen and homeware from Binns and each runner-up also received a case of wine from Morrisons.

Michelle said: "I did not think I would win this at all. But I'm so delighted that I did. Both my mum and dad were cooks, and I've just picked things up from them."

The judges said the competition was incredibly close, and they had a very difficult decision to make.

Neil Thornton said: "We are always pleased to support this event, and it's lovely to see products from Morrisons put to such exceptionally good use."

Steve Pashley said: "It has been extremely difficult for us to choose a winner. It was so, so close. They are all winners."

The Northern Echo Homes and Garden event was held at Blackwell Grange Hotel, Darlington, on Sunday, where thousands of visitors enjoyed stands and exhibitions. The Northern Echo's events manager, Hazel Robinson, said: "It has been a huge success. The weather was not the best, but we've had a really busy day.

"The exhibitors are all delighted, visitors have had some bargains, and they have had a good day out."

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