A YOUNG chef is going from success to success.

Nik Jones was one of three youngsters chosen to go forward to the regional final of the Rotary Young Chef competition.

The Thomas Hardye student was chosen to represent the Casterbridge Rotary Club at a local heat in November.

And now, his menu of seared scallops on squid ink risotto, venison loin with kale and blackberry sauce and cherry and chocolate cake won over judges at the district final held at King Alfred School in Highbridge.

The other winners, who will go forward to the regional final, to be held in Shaftesbury on April 1, were Charlotte Penny of Maiden Beech Academy, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Crewkerne and Katie Prigg of West Coker Scout Group, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Yeovil.

Nik is being mentored in the competition by Chris Holmes, Sous Chef at YalburyCottage, Dorchester and Chris was there at the event to encourage Nik in his cooking - but strictly from outside the kitchen.

He is in good company, as last year Katie Platt, also a Thomas Hardye student, came third in the national level of the competition. She was invited back to judge the local heat of this year’s contest, along with mentor Mark Vaughan, of Vaughan’s Bistro.

Diana Apps, chairman of youth and vocational services at Casterbridge Rotary, said: “The culinary skills of these young people and their bravery to cook their 3-course meals in two hours in a strange kitchen should not be under-estimated and District Governor, John Butler, recognised their determination and courage when he presented their certificates and prizes.

“Casterbridge Rotarians supported Nik at Highbridge and the President, Chris Davies, and all the club members congratulate Nik on his achievement and wish him continued success in the following rounds of the competition.”