Young chefs from Tyrone and Fermanagh have competed in the Springboard FutureChef 2024/2025 local finals.

The event was hosted by South West College (SWC) at its Dungannon and Erne campuses.

Students from years 10 to 12 battled it out for a place in the Northern Ireland finals, which will be held at Belfast Met's Titanic Campus on February 7, 2025.

The competition, now in its 26th year, is the UK's largest school-based culinary contest.

It aims to introduce young people to the culinary world, equipping them with practical skills and inspiring them to consider careers in the hospitality industry.

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The first heat took place on November 6 at SWC's Dungannon campus.

Eight aspiring chefs cooked in a professional kitchen for the first time, preparing main courses under the watchful eyes of judges John Whyte from Armagh City Hotel, Aaron Duffy from Castle Leslie Estate, and head judge Geoff Baird from Henderson Foodservice.

Aoise Taggart from St. Ciaran's College in Ballygawley was declared the winner.

She will now advance to the Northern Ireland finals, guided by her mentor, Chef Aaron Duffy.

The third heat of the competition was held a few days later at SWC's Erne campus.

Students from St. Aidan's High School, Derrylin, Aughnacloy College, Mount Lourdes Grammar School and St. Fanchea's College, Enniskillen participated in a 60-minute challenge, crafting two dishes each.

The judging panel, including head judge Geoff Baird, Adam Milliken from Lough Erne Resort, and 2007 FutureChef winner Stephen McFarland, were impressed by the young chefs' skills.

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Wiktoria from St. Aidan's, Derrylin was crowned the winner of this round.

She will join Aoise in representing the region at the upcoming Northern Ireland finals, with guidance from her mentor, Adam Milliken.

The SWC catering team said: "Congratulations to all the competitors, judges, and everyone involved in making the Springboard Future Chef competitions such a success.

"As a College, we are delighted to support these competitions, that offers young people the chance to take their first steps into a vibrant, creative industry.

"Witnessing the skill, passion, and dedication of these young chefs has been truly inspiring."

For more information or to apply for a course in catering and hospitality, visit swc.ac.uk.