The heat was on for young chefs battling to cook up a storm in a cookery competition.

Ilford Recorder: Winner Anthony Sparks from Compton School, Finchley. Photo: RotaryWinner Anthony Sparks from Compton School, Finchley. Photo: Rotary (Image: Archant)

Eight teenage cooks were pitted against each other in the London final of the Rotary Young Chef contest.

Aisha Naeem, from Mayfield School in Goodmayes, got second place but fell just behind winner Anthony Sparks from Finchley.

She had already wowed judges at the area and district finals to reach the stage.

Gary Lee from the famous Ivy restaurant and esteemed chocolatier Paul Wayne Gregory were on the expert judging panel.

While the entrants cooked, guests enjoyed a sumptuous lunch at Westminster Kingsway College with talks from speakers including Rotary International chairman Peter Bradley earlier this month.

Prizes included a set of high grade steel Sabatier cooks’ knives, a pasta machine and luxury goody bags.

A raffle for the charity Mary’s Meals raised £150 on the day.

Anthony will compete in the national final in Dundee next month.