IT WAS third time lucky for a school chef who won a regional competition.

Karen Coffey, from Hollinshead Avenue, Newcastle, took the title on her third attempt at the West Midlands School Chef of the Year Competition.

She said: "I am over the moon to have won.

"I like to push myself and do different things, so this competition has been ideal for me.

"It has been hard work, but I have learnt so many new skills and I am happy the judges enjoyed my dishes on the day."

Karen saw off some stiff competition as six competitors took part in the regional heat at Stoke-on-Trent College yesterday.

Contestants from across the region had to cook a main course and dessert in 90 minutes suitable for an 11-year-old; spending no more than £1.50 per child.

The theme for Karen's dishes centred on ceramics to reflect the Potteries.

The 37-year-old said: "My main was a mince stack made with root vegetables – with a spinach base, roasted beetroot and broccoli.

"The idea came from the image of a kiln, and the fried leek represented the smoke coming out of the top."

Her dessert was a chocolate caramel pot and parsnips, with a caramel centre, served with creme fraiche and decorated with raspberries.

The delighted cook, who has recently been promoted to supply catering supervisor, said: "It sounds like a strange combination, but the idea came from an old local recipe that was used in the schools.

"I adapted it slightly so that it was put into a muffin because the kids love them."

The competition, organised by the Local Authority Caterers Association, was judged by a panel which included a catering expert, dietician, professional chef judge, and two pupils from Oakhill School, in Trent Vale.

Karen, who used to work at John Baskeyfield Primary School, in Burslem, will now compete at the national final in Winchester in May.

Describing the atmosphere in the kitchen, Karen said: "It was great and people were really encouraging each other when they were cooking.

"Some of the competitors had not taken part before so I think they were feeling nervous."

Louise Weaver, operations manager from the city council's food provider City Catering, said: "We are very happy for Karen and I think it is a great way to showcase the skills involved and to bring them into the limelight.

"She has worked very hard and it is a brilliant result."

Donna Westwood, from Brierley Hill, in Dudley, won highly commended for her main course of Quorn and butternut squash curry.

Other entries included an Olympic feast from Solihull, and the use of buffalo cheese in Warwickshire.

LACA chairman Lynda Mitchell said: "The competition continues to represent a highly positive way of producing quality school meals.

"The School Chef of the Year judging criteria are tough, but our talented front line staff in schools continue to prepare tasty and highly creative dishes to tempt the taste buds of children and young people."