Michael Duff has been named Springboard’s FutureChef 2006.

South-east finalist Duff from Oxted School beat 11 other competitors in a grand final cook-off at London’s Westminster Kingsway College last week.

He will now gain work experience with Compass Group; enjoy a family break at Centre Parcs; and receive a cheque for £500 from City & Guilds as part of his prize.

Duff also enjoys tickets to Caterer and Hotelkeeper’s prestigious Catey awards this year; a year’s subscription to BBC Good Food Magazine; and a commemorative plate from Steelite International to mark his success.

Oxted pupils will also benefit from a visit by a group of chefs, with demonstrations, tastings and a question-and-answer session with FutureChef chairman Brian Turner.

Duff’s school also gets £300 of catering vouchers courtesy of Bunzl.

By Chris Druce

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