A new celebrity chef could be in the making in Abingdon - and he's only 15.

Dylan Bettson is one of 12 who has reached the regional final of the national Young Chef of the Year competition.

And Larkmead School pupil Dylan - whose favourite meals are bacon sandwiches and beans on toast - is as surprised as anyone because he started his catering career by chance.

During his spare time he is taking an NVQ in catering at Abingdon's Broad Face pub.

Dylan from John Morris Road, said: "I kept pestering the pub to give me a job two years ago so I could earn a bit of money. Eventually they agreed.

"I helped out in the kitchen doing basic work but then progressed and it was not long before I was hooked on cooking."

Landlady Mellie Ferrier said: "We are delighted that Dylan has reached the cook-off finals in Milton Keynes in November. He is a natural and took to the job so quickly.

"But it may not have happened had Dylan not been so persistent. He kept hammering on our door asking for a job, doing anything.

"We got so fed up that we eventually gave in - and we're glad we relented because Dylan is so good. He has a natural talent and I am sure he will go a long way." To reach the finals of the competition, being run by the trade publication the Morning Advertiser, Dylan had to cost a dish, work out the gross profit, buy the ingredients, talk to suppliers and write up the method of the dish - pan fried sea bass on saffron linguine served with mussels, lime and chilli with a beure blanc sauce.

Acting as Dylan's mentor is the head chef at the Broad Face, John Duncan 'JD' Robertson.

He said: "I think Dylan has a lot of talent. He is always willing to learn and works hard in the kitchen. He is a great asset."

Broad Face landlord Robin Nevill said: "Dylan is quiet, controlled and calm even under pressure - unlike one famous chef we won't mention."

Dylan said: "The head chef at the time started to teach me how to do things and I began to get more confidence."

Dylan's favourite chef is Brian Turner. He said he admired his attitude and his fondness for traditional British food.