A"SIZZLING" performance in the kitchen has sent two youngsters through to the next stage of the Rotary National Young Chef competition.

Sophia Bond and Zac Rothwell were chosen following heats of the competition staged by Ramsbottom Rotary Club at the town's Woodhey High School.

Both will go to compete in the semi-finals at Oldham in October, with the winner qualifying for the national final in London.

Rotary club spokesman Trevor Hoyle said: "More than 45 year nine pupils were involved in the heats to select two winners to go forward to the next stage. The head of Woodhey's food technology, Claire Galle, said this was the highest number ever of pupils wanting to take part in the competition."

They had to cook a two-course meal in two hours and Mr Hoyle was one of the judges, along with Bryan Townson, the chef from Ramsbottom's Eagle and Child.

He has now volunteered to mentor Sophia and Zac for the next stage of the competition. Both have been given a tour of the award-winning pub in Whalley Road and will be spending time with the chef over the next few months.