TWO young girls are cooking up a storm as they prepare to represent Cumbria in the finals of a regional competition.

Young people across the UK have been serving up delicious treats in local cookery contests in the hopes of wowing judges and making it to the regional finals of the Rotary Club's Young Chef of the Year competition.

Ten students from across Cumbria whipped up a three-course showstopper for guest judges Michael Moore and Richard Booth who were tasked with deciding the two chefs who would represent the county in the regional finals next month. 

Ken Day, of Ulverston Rotary Club and organiser of the event, said: "Every dish was of restaurant standard and that standard was exceptional. 

"We had two top chefs who were our judges: Michael Moore, who has restaurants in London and Oslo, and Richard Booth from the Lakeside Hotel. 

"They chose two winners who will go through to the regional competition on March 5."

More than 6,000 young people across the UK entered the competition and now just two young girls will head into the next stage of the contest to represent the county. 

Lucelia Price, 15, from The Lakes School, Troutbeck, was announced as the overall winner and  13-year-old Charlotte Robinson from Millom School was the runner up. 

Both girls will compete against finalists from across the North West at Kendal College on March 5.

Mr Day is rooting for the girls and hopes Cumbria's culinary excellence will be recognised in the next stage of the competition. 

He said: "Cumbria is known for its cuisine - especially with the number of Michelin star restaurants we have - and I think the girls are proud to represent their schools in the competition."

He continued: "I think it's a great opportunity for them. It gives them the confidence to try things out and it's great for those looking for a career in catering. 

"In the past the winners have gone on to enjoy a career in catering and this is the first step on the ladder."

Lucelia and Charlotte will now go on to represent Cumbria at the regional competition at Kendal College on Saturday March 5, where they will go head to head with winners from North Wales, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and the Isle of Man.