MOVE over Delia and Nigella, there’s a new chef on the scene... and she is just 13 years old.

Scarlett Mynard, from St Mary’s School, Colchester, has been named the Young Chef Champion 2009 for South-East England.

The competition was judged by celebrity chef James Martin.

Scarlett’s dish of beef koftas, wrapped in parma ham, produced within a £10 budget, took first prize.

The young chefs had just an hour to make their dishes. They were judged on originality, nutrition, taste and presentation.

Scarlett said: “It was really exciting and a great experience.

“The judges came round and asked me what I was doing and I had to tell them what and why I was doing things.”

Scarlett said the competition had given her a lot of confidence and she hopes to pursue a career in cooking.

“My mum and dad want me to cook dinner for a New Year’s party,” she added.

James Martin said: “Scarlett’s recipe scored top marks for an original, nutritious dish that tasted superb and was presented with flair.

“This year, the standard has been higher than ever and I have been thoroughly impressed by the level of enthusiasm and interest among the students and am sure we have not seen the last of these individuals.”

The competition, organised by Quality Standard beef and lamb, was for 11 to 16-year-olds. Scarlett is now in the running for the national prize.