On 23 March 2009 Luke Thomas was named Springboard's FutureChef 2009, after beating 11 other competitors, all aged 12-16, in a grand final cook-off at London's Westminster Kingsway College on Monday.

Welsh finalist Luke Thomas, from Connah's Quay High School, will now enjoy work experience at Gary Rhodes Michelin-starred restaurant W1 in London as well as an all expenses culinary trip to Rome courtesy of Hilton and a cheque for £500 from City & Guilds.

The event, hosted by FutureChef chairman Brian Turner, saw 15-year old Thomas, who previously finished third in 2008, announced as the winner after a two hour, two course cook-off.

His rack of lamb with creamed savoy cabbage, shallot tarte tatin and rosemary jus and his double chocolate soufflé with orange and ginger confit impressed a panel of judges including Michael Caines, Brian Turner and Cyrus Todiwala, chaired by David Mulcahy, craft and food development director at Sodexo.