TALENTED Haslemere school cook Helen Mansey has won through to the South East regional finals of a top culinary competition.

The St Bartholomew’s Primary School chef is one of six contestants who will battle to represent South East England in the national finals of the LACA School Chef of the Year competition on March 5.

The South East England winner will compete against nine other regional champions plus two judges’ wild card competitors.

Helen aims to wow the judges with her smoky chickpea and lentil burger in a beetroot bun with sweet potato wedges, corn and chipotle dip, followed by chocolate, courgette and blueberry cake with a chocolate glaze and mixed berry coulis.

Against the clock, Helen will have to prepare, cook and present four portions of her two course meal, designed to be suitable for serving to 11-year-olds in primary or secondary schools. She will have 90 minutes and is allowed a maximum spend of £1.30.