Chesterfield pupil Ryan Bruce has been crowned Derbyshire Student Chef of the Year at ceremony held at The Dome in Buxton.

The proud 15-year-old won the title on the back of his freshly-made sweet and sour chicken and wholegrain rice followed by chocolate, orange and raspberry cake.

Dishes had to include some seasonal, local produce, reflect cultural diversity and be suitable for serving to 14-year-olds in school.

To be named overall winner Ryan, who studies at Whittington Green School, also had to ensure his menu for two was on budget at just £2 per head.

Open to students from years 9 to 11, the competition − now in its fifth year − was organised by Derbyshire County Council’s school catering service.

Ryan was presented with a certificate, trophy and £100 of shopping vouchers from Councillor Caitlin Bisknell, deputy cabinet member for children and young people, who praised all winners and finalists for their fantastic culinary skills.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council said:

“The standard of cooking was superb. They all did extremely well in a very pressured environment.”

Also commended from Chesterfield was Leah Roberts, 15, another pupil at Whittington Green School.

(Image shows Ryan Bruce from Whittington Green School with judges: Primary Catering Manager Kevin Hill, Menu Development Officer Katie Woods and Karen Stanley, lecturer in hospitality and catering at Buxton College.)

Chesterfield have been boosted by the news that experienced central defender Ian Evatt has signed a one-year contract extension.

Evatt, who began his second spell with Chesterfield two years ago, is now tied to the club until the summer of 2017.

After penning his new deal, Evatt said: “I’m delighted to stay. There were a few rumours about clubs being interested in me, but I feel that I’m one of Chesterfield’s own. I love the area and I’m settled here so hopefully I can finish my career here. It’s a club that is very close to my heart and hopefully we can have some more success in the future.

“The manager is such an enthusiastic character and his enthusiasm rubs off on everyone else. We’re not a million miles away, as the gaffer knows, so that’s why I wanted to stay.”

Spireites manager Dean Saunders added: “It’s great news for everyone that Ian has agreed an extended deal. He’s an experienced player who has a key role to play for the club. I will use him to help bring the young players on because you learn from experienced pros.”

Saunders has revealed that he is also in negotiations with other players who are in the last year of their contract.

Destination Chesterfield, organiser of the town’s annual Food and Drink Awards, is looking for two foodie families with children aged under 12 to judge short-listed family-friendly establishments in the annual awards.

As well as having an all-expenses-paid meal for four, the lucky winners will also receive two tickets to attend the glittering awards ceremony in October, which is being hosted by celebrity chef Theo Randall.

The Family-Friendly Award aims to find the town’s ultimate eatery that offers great food, excellent facilities for young children, special menus and goes that extra step to make sure families can enjoy their dining experience. As well as enjoying a meal, the winning families will be required to mark the establishments on food, ease of access, cleanliness and the quality and variety of children’s food. Last year the popular award, which is sponsored by Jumble Design, was won by The Manor at Brampton.

Destination Chesterfield Manager Dominic Stevens commented: “The family friendly category is one of the most popular in the awards and we get many nominations reflecting the wealth of family friendly restaurants that we have here in Chesterfield.

“This competition is a great chance for families in the area to voice their opinion and get to enjoy a meal out too.”

If you want to get involved then simply enter online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/family-judge-competition.

The closing date for entries is midnight on Wednesday 15th July. The winning families will receive a meal for two adults and two children in up to three short-listed establishments. The adults will also receive two tickets to attend the awards ceremony.

The awards ceremony, which will be held in autumn, promises to be a glittering affair. If any businesses would be interested in becoming a sponsor of the new awards contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk.

Chesterfield-based Brampton Brewery has thrown its support behind next week’s Autoworld Volvo XC90 Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

The Brewery, which is sponsoring the Derbyshire friendly against a Chesterfield Invitational XI at Queen’s Park on Wednesday 1 July (6pm start), will have two outlets at the ground throughout the six-day long festival.

Brampton Brewery will have prominent branding at the ground and will also be sponsoring opening batsman Ben Slater for the 2015 season.

The festival commences on Sunday 5 July when Northamptonshire Steelbacks visit the picturesque outground in a NatWest T20 Blast clash.

The attention turns to the longest format the following day when Derbyshire welcome Glamorgan for four days of first-class cricket, before the festival concludes on Sunday 12 July with a NatWest T20 Blast fixture versus neighbours Yorkshire Vikings.

A wide range of local Real Ales will be available for supporters to enjoy from Brampton, in addition to a number of other food and drink outlets around the ground.

Cricket Derbyshire Commercial Director, Ryan Duckett said: “We are delighted to have a local company in Brampton Brewery supporting this year’s festival.

“Supporters will be able to taste the brewery’s famous real ale throughout the entire festival, which is a real highlight of the local sporting calendar. We’re looking forward to six great days of cricket in the park.”

(Image courtesy of David Griffin)