By Nikki Jarvis

nikki.jarvis@essnmedia.co.uk

Three culinary masters who definitely can stand the heat in the kitchen have battled it out for a place in the final of the School Chef of the Year 2010 competition.

The trio of chefs took part in a cook off at Croydon College in the London heat of the national contest.

After an energetic hour-long cooking session, during which the chefs created their child-friendly menus, Croydon's own Chris Carroll was pipped at the post by Enfield dinner lady Joanne Stoddart.

However, all was not lost as Chris' main course of "super oat coat chicken" was highly commended by the judges.

He said: "I am a little disappointed not to have won but it was really good fun and I will definitely be coming back to give it my best shot next year.

"It was a very intense competition and a lot like being on MasterChef but I loved the high pressure atmosphere."

Chris has been a chef for 10 years but only began his career as a school cook at Parish Church School, in Waddon, eight months ago.

He said: "I am very passionate about making sure kids eat healthily and are going back to lessons after a good meal.

"The competition really reminded me of why I love the job."

The contest took place last week, with contestants challenged to cook a main course and desert suitable for an 11-year-old and costing no more than £1.25 per child.

Joining the judging panel were two 11-year-old pupils from Margaret Roper RC School, in Purley, and head of the hospitality department at Croydon College, Joyce Milne.