A STUDENT impressed some of the county’s top chefs by scooping gold in a regional cookery contest.

More than 200 competitors took part in the two-day North-East Culinary and Trade Association (NECTA) competition at Newcastle Racecourse.

Fran Jones, one of 11 entrants from Middlesbrough College, was awarded a gold medal in the category ‘larder: fish’.

Skills were tested in a range of disciplines including butchery, sugar craft, knife skills, restaurant canapes, hot starter, restaurant dessert and speciality bread.

Ms Jones, 18 said: “It was an amazing experience, I just tried to relax, remember everything I knew and demonstrate the skills I’ve been taught. It paid off.”

Douglas Jordan, NECTA chairman, said: “The event is recognised and respected nationally and is now a very important event in the culinary calendar.

“We have judges come from across the country, including Ian McAndrew, originally from Sunderland, and who was the youngest ever Michelin starred chef.

“We are very pleased to have Middlesbrough College involved and I am looking forward to our relationship continuing to grow and I am sure they will win more gold medals in the future.”

Another Middlesbrough College student to celebrate success at the competition was Kim Moody, 31, who was awarded a Bronze medal for her mille feuille of chocolate, salted caramel mousse and chocolate crisp.