A STUDENT proved he is hot in the kitchen when he won a cooking contest. Adam Clarkson, 16, of Warren Close, Biggleswade, picked up the title of Young Chef of the Year in the competition organised by Hitchin Tilehouse Rotary Club. Adam beat off stiff comp

A STUDENT proved he is hot in the kitchen when he won a cooking contest.

Adam Clarkson, 16, of Warren Close, Biggleswade, picked up the title of Young Chef of the Year in the competition organised by Hitchin Tilehouse Rotary Club.

Adam beat off stiff competition, including another Biggleswade teenager, runner-up Andy Wise, in the event run in association with North Hertfordshire College Arts Centre in Hitchin.

Each student had to produce a healthy meal for two for under £10.

The competition was to encourage young people, aged 12 to 17, to develop their cookery skills, food presentation, consider healthy eating options, expand their organisational and planning skills and learn to cope with a demanding situation.

Adam's prize included a day in the kitchen of Andrew Turner, head chef at the Bentley Kempinski Hotel in London, and meal and mobile phone vouchers as well as a certificate.

Adam, a pupil at Stratton Upper School, received his prize from Meiron Morris, the district governor of Rotary clubs, and Penny Hill, of Hitchin Tilehouse Rotary Club.