A BUDDING chef from Penketh is hoping to scoop a top award in an annual contest which searches for up-and-coming talent in the kitchen.

Danny Gopaulsingh, a catering student from Warrington Collegiate, has already seen off competition at the regional heats of Future Chef and will go on to represent the north west in the finals on March 19.

Contestants have to rustle up two meal courses for under £5 using healthy ingredients and regional produce wherever possible.

The tense cook-off final will also be judged by a celebrity panel led by Ready, Steady, Cook chef Brian Turner.

Danny, aged 14, said: "I'm delighted to have got so far in the competition. It has made me sure about my dream of becoming a chef in the future."

His speciality is a chicken supreme stuffed with black pudding and apple served on a spring onion and cabbage mash.

In the last round, Danny's desert was deep fried bananas with butterscotch sauce.