PUPILS and staff at a Stoke-on-Trent school are celebrating after their chef won a place in the national final of the School Chef of the Year competition.

Clair Jones, who works at Sutherland Primary School in Blurton, beat off challenges from six other finalists to claim the top prize at the regional final held at Knowsley Community College in Huyton, Liverpool.

Now Clair will take her tasty skills to the national final, to be held in Sheffield in May.

Portfolio holder for children and young people's services, councillor Roger Ibbs said: "School meals can play a vital role in the school day. Clair has demonstrated expertly how you can create an appealing, tasty meal for children while making sure they get the healthy ingredients to help keep them fit and well. We wish her every success for the final."

The other North West finalists came from Bolton, Knowsley, Lancashire, Liverpool, Wigan and Tameside authorities.

The first course on Clair's winning menu was pork and apricot treats, accompanied by fresh pasta, flavoured with ricotta and spinach on a hearty tomato base. She followed this with juicy spiced plums on a puff pastry star, accompanied by mascarpone and red fruit drizzle.

Following her victory Clair was presented with a crystal glass rose bowl, a cheque for £100 and a certificate.

Catering operations manager at the city council, Louise Weaver said: "Everyone at the school and city council are so proud of Clair. Not only that, pupils will have the added bonus of getting to taste her winning dishes. Now it's fingers crossed for the final."