High standards earn praise for schoolboy's work (From Bucks Free Press)

High standards earn praise for schoolboy's work

2:40pm Friday 16th February 2001

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A SCHOOLBOY who designed an airline meal as part of a GCSE food science project has been commended by the British Nutrition Foundation for his imagination and research.

The coursework of 16-year-old Justin Hughes, of Gallows Hill Lane in Abbots Langley, was one of hundreds marked by a panel of judges in connection with the foundation's GCSE Award Scheme at the end of last year.

Justin, a pupil at St Clement Danes school in Chorleywood, visited leading airlines and catering companies as he decided how to design his project.

His research enabled him to highlight the main requirements of the meal with regards to size, temperature and time of serving, which he used and incorporated with basic nutritional needs.

Justin's meal a salmon steak served with Indian rice, followed by a fruit salad blancmange was subject to a number of rigorous tests.

He said: "The challenge was to create an airline meal that was both nutritious and economically viable.

"Talking to employers and customers of different airlines really helped me with my final creation."

St Clement Danes' food technology teacher Mrs Rosalind Miller accompanied Justin at the official presentation evening, held at the Royal College of Physicians in London.

She said: "I am tickled pink Justin has been given this award. He has worked extremely hard and the majority of time on his own initiative."

Justin, who received a GCSE grade A* for his coursework and is now doing A-levels in History, Maths, Economics and IT, said: "I am really pleased to have received this award. The presentation was a fantastic opportunity to meet people in an industry I might later want to get involved in."

St Clements Danes received a prize of £100 as a result of the win.

The BNF Award Scheme, set up in 1990, is designed to promote interest and awareness of food nutrition among school pupils.

Justin received a £50 prize and certificate presented by Sir John Krebs, the head of the Food Standards Agency.

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