MASTERCHEFS of the future donned their aprons for the first heats of the annual 'Rotary Young Chef' competition.

Pupils from Sir William Borlase's School and Great Marlow School took part in separate heats, rustling up culinary delights in a bid to advance to the regional finals.

the national competition, organised by Rotary clubs throughout the country, seeks out the best young cooking talent, with only one each year crowned young chef of the year.

Lance Slater from the Rotary Club of Marlow, said: "The idea is to excite young people about cooking, the cost of food, its preparation and the importance of a good diet.

"I don't recall anyone from our area reaching those dizzying heights, but you never know!"

Judging in the prelimanary rounds was handled by Philippe Burger of the family-run atisans bakery Burgers on the Causeway, Marlow.

Winner of the Borlase's round was Tara Nadi, beating five other competitors to the spot, while Jack Cox was picked as the cream of Great Marlow School's crop, with four other pupils in the running.

Ultimately, it was decided that Tara would be the one to progress to the 'zone final' at the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe, competing against 10 other contestants from schools in the area.

She will be hoping to progress to the district final in Bracknell on February 7. This will be followed by a regional final and then a national final in April.