Two Oakbank School students were highly placed in the Quality Standard Beef and Lamb Young Chef Challenge.

Daniel Sykes came second and Chanel Whittingham was highly commended in the regional competition.

They were judged on their recipe development and culinary skills by TV chef James Martin.

A record number of entries rolled in from across the UK for the contest’s fourth year, with 40 finalists taking part in six regional cook-offs.

Daniel and Chanel competed against five other finalists in Harrogate.

The Quality Standard Beef and Lamb Young Chef Challenge 2009 was designed to engage, educate and inspire students to develop their cookery experience and appreciate the importance of good nutrition and quality ingredients.

Entrants had to submit their own original, nutritious and creative recipes using Quality Standard beef and lamb mince, with a photograph of the finished dish.

Daniel cooked Bobotie with cous cous side salad and Chanel cooked lamb, raisin and walnut burgers with herby bulghar.

The challenge was developed to comply with the new design and technology curriculum guidelines, which emphasises practical cooking and healthy eating using simple ingredients.

At the cook-off, youngsters were given one hour to cook their dish, which was judged on originality, nutrition, taste and presentation by James Martin.

The Northeast winner will now compete in the national final with a chance of winning the 2009 National Young Chef Champion title.

The National Champion will watch James Martin film his popular Saturday Kitchen cookery programme, experience the lunchtime service in a top London restaurant and have dinner with James in a Michelin Star restaurant.