AN EAST Lancashire schoolgirl’s tasty treat has won a North West cooking competition after she impressed a celebrity chef.

Clitheroe Royal Grammar pupil Ella Wolfenden fought off competition from over 800 entrants to make the finals of the contest judged by Saturday Kitchen host James Martin.

In a tense battle against six other regional finalists, 14-year-old Ella was pronounced the winner as her Thai beef noodle dish triumphed at the Manchester City College event.

Ella, from Rimington, was selected to take part in the ‘Red Tractor Beef and Lamb Make it with Mince Challenge’ after impressing with her cooking.

The competition was open to students aged 11 to 16.

She was given one hour to cook, and James the students on their presentation and use of flavours.

Ella said she was absolutely delighted.

Her mum Sam said: “She is into very different foods and interested in herbs and spices and how best to use them.

“She was absolutely over the moon at winning and it was a brilliant day. James Martin was so friendly and put everyone at their ease.”

As North West winner she now has a chance to win an iTouch and £200 kitchen equipment vouchers for her school if picked as National Champion from the six regional heats taking place this month.

If successful, Ella will be able to attend filming of BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen and learn about kitchen life in top London restaurants.