STUDENTS from Launceston College wowed judges in the final of a Masterchef competition on February 11.

­Ten candidates from Years 8 and 9 had progressed via a cupcake challenge and had only an hour to prepare their signature dish, using a cod fillet and a selection from a bank of other ingredients.

Megan March stole the show with her creamy mushroom and spinach creation served with buttery minted baby new potatoes which was cooked to perfection.

Hope Webster and Evie Asman followed closely behind in second and third place for their efforts both in presentation and skills used.

Also successful in reaching the final were Emily Soper, Andy Alford, Charlie Vickery, Kate Vickery, Josh Mannino, Gemma Edwards and Jodie Samways.

The event was sponsored by Launceston Youth Council, which kindly donated the high quality prizes of cooking equipment, bakeware, recipe books and aprons which will, no doubt, be put to good use by the worthy winners.

The judges, including principal Bryan Maywood were amazed at the skills and knowledge of the candidates, who were all just 12 to 14 years old. In particular they commented on how just a few simple ingredients could be delivered on a plate in so many different and interesting styles and using a variety of different skills.