The first round of the Rotary Young Chef 2009 competition, organised by the Rotary Club of Monmouth, was held on Wednesday at Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls.

After heats at both HMSG and Monmouth Comprehensive School, four finalists were selected for the competition. The finalists, Cory Pyne and Stefan Eklof from Monmouth Comprehensive School and Harriet Darlow and Elizabeth Penfold from HMSG, each had to prepare a three course, healthy meal for two in just two hours, at a cost of no more than £14.

The competition was judged by Dan Wall, Head Chef at the Mill Race; Matthew Williams, Head Chef at First Thyme; Karen Wood, Catering Manager at HMSG and Richard Short, Head Chef at HMSG.

In what was a very close contest with superb standards of cooking and presentation, the judges awarded Elizabeth Penfold fist place and Stefan Eklof runner-up. Elizabeth will now go on to compete at Wyedean Comprehensive School in the semi-finals, and if successful will then be entered into the district final, before the national final.

Mike Matthews, President of the Monmouth Rotary Club said, "We would like to congratulate all four finalists and wish Elizabeth the best of luck for the semi-finals next month. We would like to thank Paddy Curtis and Jo Vickers of HMSG, Louise Cook of Monmouth Comprehensive School and to all the judges for taking the time to help with the competition. We feel that the competition has been a huge success and look forward to the inter school Rotary Youth Speaks competition at HMSG next month"