A PRIMARY school pupil has been crowned the winner of a healthy eating competition by former Wales international footballer Owain Tudur Jones.

Anaé Angood, aged 10 from Ysgol Penybryn, Tywyn in Meirionnydd, received her chef’s hat from the retired midfielder during a cookery masterclass with TV chef Elwen Roberts.

The lesson was enjoyed by 60 pupils from Years 5 and 6 at Ysgol Penybryn and formed part of Anaé’s prize for creating a menu of five nutritious school dinners and explaining why eating a healthy balanced diet is important.

The competition was launched by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) in collaboration with youth organisation, Urdd Gobaith Cymru’s children’s magazines, Cip and Bore Da.

HCC’s Elwen, who co-judged over 120 excellent competition entries and led the school session, was impressed by Anaé’s menu.

She said: “The winner presented a balanced menu of interesting and appetizing main meals.

"They ranged from Welsh lamb kebabs with flatbread, riata and salad to Welsh beef meatballs served with quinoa and green veg, and gnocchi with a carbonara sauce, sprinkled with bacon.

“The meals showed sophistication and originality and also demonstrated the flexibility of red meat.

"Lean red meat can be included as part of a healthy, balanced diet and can be enjoyed by people of all ages in moderation. It includes a whole host of essential nutrients such as protein, iron and zinc.

“It was great to work with a group of enthusiastic pupils at Ysgol Penybryn and to be joined by S4C’s Heno crew and presenter Owain Tudur Jones, who talked about the importance of a healthy, balanced diet for his sporting career.”

During the session, the pupils enjoyed brining some of Anaé’s recipe ideas to life.

Deputy headteacher at Ysgol Penybryn Ellyw Evans said: "We are very proud of Anaé's success.

"The competition was a great opportunity to integrate all the work we've studied at school about healthy eating and having a balanced diet.

"It was a fantastic experience for Anaé to cook with Elwen and for the children to taste her dishes. Meeting Owain Tudur Jones made the occasion extra special too!"

Mari Williams, editor of Bore Da and Cip magazines, said: “We were really pleased with the number and standard of competition entries – choosing a winner was an incredibly difficult task.

"It was really encouraging to see the balance, variety and quality of the meals created by the children, and we warmly congratulate Anaé on winning the competition – her illustrations and accompanying explanations were exceptionally original and well thought-out.”

Anaé Angood also received a goody bag of cookery equipment worth £150.