A Barkingside school pupil made it to the London final of a national cookery competition on Saturday.

Krishan Mistry, who goes to Ilford County High School, in Fremantle Road, wowed judges with his unique take on a chicken burger but finished runner-up.

The 13-year-old was pitted against teenagers from across London and the home counties in the Rotary Young Chef competition in Westminster on Saturday.

He served up a chicken burger with sweet potato chips and a tangy dipping sauce, followed by mango and lime ice cream with coconut cookies.

He said he was not disappointed that his delectable feast fell just short of the next stage.

Krishan said: “I was shocked because I didn’t think I was going to get that far.

“I do a lot of baking at home but the competition was a surprise.

“I’m proud to have got that far but I was really nervous on the day.”

The budding chef beat off competition from Redbridge schools at the previous heat held at Caterham High School, in Caterham Avenue, last month.

Organiser Sugra Tahir, of Gants Hill Rotary Club, said: “The competition promotes healthy eating and gets young people into cooking.

“The standard is very high every year.”