Wandsworth Young Chef of the Year finalists have raised more than £2,000 for charity by organising and preparing food for this year’s Mayor’s Gala Charity Dinner.

The finalists raised money for The Wandsworth Community Safety Trust, St. John Ambulance and the Rotary Club.

The annual dinner was hosted by the Mayor of Wandsworth on Wednesday, April 25.

This year’s finalists worked with former BBC Master Chef finalist Daksha Mistry and students from South Thames College to prepare and serve the food.

The entertainment on the night was provided by young musicians from the council’s Wandsworth Schools Music Service and by Wandsworth Young Musician of the Year Anna Brown.

The Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Leslie McDonnell, said: “Thanks to all our young chefs for their hard work helping us to raise money for charity. I hope the experience and knowledge they have gained during the competition and the charity dinner will stand them in good stead in their future careers.”

Rose Picicco, who attends Southfields Academy, was crowned Wandsworth Young Chef of the Year 2018.

The Young Chef competition is run by the Mayor of Wandsworth and the council’s Lifelong Learning team. It nurtures young talent, teaches young people how to cook healthy food to a budget, provides a chance to learn from experts and helps young people get a foothold in the catering industry.

South Thames College catering school provided support for the competition and food and support services firm, Compass Group UK & Ireland have been involved with the competition since it launched in 2013.

The council’s Lifelong Learning team offers support for young people interested in the hospitality sector. To find out more contact the team via http://wandsworthlifelonglearning.org.uk/.