A SCHOOL chef's Italian meatballs have helped her to win her heat of a national competition.

Carol Stephenson has been named Durham School Chef of the Year - and now goes on to represent the county in the regional finals next year.

The super cook, catering manager at Belmont Community Arts College, Durham City, put her skills to the test in the competition at Tanfield School, Stanley.

In one-and-a-half hours, she had to prepare a healthy, balanced, two-course meal, which met nutritional standards and cost no more than 80p per head.

She also had to impress a daunting panel of judges, including professional chef Mark Earnden and, toughest of all, two 11-year-old Tanfield pupils.

Carol, of Darlington, came up with her menu of home-made Italian meatballs in a fresh tomato and lemon-based sauce on tagliatelle, topped with parmesan cheese and fresh basil, followed by a pudding of baked lemon cheesecake with a mixed berries and fruits dessert sauce.

She said: "I chose lemon cheesecake for my pudding as there had to be a link between the two courses.

"I adapted the recipe, creating a healthy rolled oat base, instead of the usual biscuit base. I wanted to make a balanced meal that the children would enjoy."

She added: "I get a lot of support from the school and really enjoy trying different things and encouraging the children to eat well.

"Everyone's been congratulating me on winning the competition."

Judith Wilkinson, headteacher at Belmont, said: "We are very lucky to have Carol as our catering manager. She fully deserves this honour and is a fantastic chef. Her winning menu reflects the high standard she and her team are producing for our students."

Carol has worked for catering company Scolarest for eight years.