A kitchen prodigy took up residence at an award-winning gastro-pub last week before treating a group of VIP guests to her food.

2020 Young Cooks overall champion Anya Goodman, 12, served up her dishes at The Dog at Wingham.

The guests included Great British Bake Off finalist Jane Beedle, Maidstone mayor Cllr Marion Ring, the winners of the Young Cooks primary, secondary and family categories, and representatives of competition sponsors Kent Catering Services, SE Medical, Whole School Meals, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, the Southern Co-op, Golding Homes, Chequers Kitchen and Macknade Fine Foods.

After working with The Dog chef Sam McClurkin, Anya served up a ballotine of mackerel for a starter followed by a main of venison with red wine reduction and vegetables.

The Maidstone Invicta Grammar School pupil said she said a fantastic time in The Dog kitchen, adding: “I learned a lot of things I can do in everyday cooking.”

She said she particularly enjoyed learning about working with a saddle of venison.

Young Cooks coordinator Maxine Tarquini said: “Anya is such a talented cook, and all of her guests were so impressed by her food.

“And getting to work with The Dog team in their beautiful kitchen was a really wonderful experience for her. She will have learned so much just in one day to help her get even better as a cook.”

The 2020 Young Cooks judges also included 2019 Masterchef finalist Delia Maria-Asser, Principals by CH & Co, Broadstairs College, Brakes and Taylor Meats.