Local student crowned Commis Chef of the Year

Michael Lord, 18, winner of the North West Commis Chef of the Year Competition (Eric Walker Cup)

Michael Lord, 18, from Rochdale, has won the North West Commis Chef of the Year Competition, and has been presented with the Eric Walker Cup.

Michael, who is a third year student at Hopwood Hall College, beat eight other teams to win the award. He wowed the judges with his menu of beetroot risotto, monkfish with white beans and smoked bacon cassoulet.

The competition, held in Manchester, is open to full-time college students or commis chefs in the industry who are attending college on a part-time basis. It has been run by The Association Culinaire Francaise de Secours Mutuel (ACF) for over 25 years and allows student chefs to showcase their skills to produce a three course meal for two people.