Carlisle’s very own budding Monica Galettis are one step away from being crowned young cooking queens.

Three Carlisle College students have made it through to the grand final of the Country Range Student Chef challenge.

Carlisle College’s Bianca Bennett, Kerry Pitt and Molly Elliott will do culinary battle with seven other college teams later this month at ScotHot - Scotland’s biggest hospitality trade show.

Under the watchful eye of judges from the Craft Guild of Chefs, the three Carlisle students were tested on both classical and modern cooking methods at the semi-final last month.

Having impressed the guild judges, the three Carlisle College students are hoping to repeat their success at the grand final on March 13.

Sean Downes, a lecturer at the college was delighted that the city students were now at the final hurdle.

“I’m thrilled we’ve made the final at ScotHot,” he said. “And I am really excited to be working with a team that has shown such commitment and passion. It’s such a tough competition so I’m extremely proud of them for what they have achieved already.”

The Craft Guild of Chefs’ chairman of judges, Chris Basten, had plenty of praise for the Carlisle youngsters.

“A huge well done to the Carlisle College team and good luck to them all in the final stage at ScotHot,” he said.

“The quality of dishes presented by the students was sensational, showing real technique, creativity and attention to detail with every ingredient. If this is a sign of what’s to come, I can’t wait for the final.”

The challenge is run by independent catering supply company Country Range.

Organiser Emma Holden is looking forward to the final.

“The standard of cooking by the students was absolutely amazing, with the level of skills shown getting better every challenge,” Emma said. “We definitely saw some fantastic creativity and flavours with [the students’] dishes. It’s all set up for a fantastic finale at ScotHot.”