Ingleton's Elaine cooks up a culinary award

A SCHOOL cook’s marvellous mince pies have earned her recognition in a national catering competition.
Elaine Santana’s edible Christmas decorations also wowed judges in the Lead Association for Catering in Education’s culinary craft competition.
Ms Santana, who cooks up a storm daily for pupils at Ingleton Primary School, took home awards for best in class in both categories, fending off competition from school caterers across the north east and Scotland.
“I was very surprised to find out I had done well in it,” she said.
Ms Santana, who lives in Darlington, puts the success of her mince pies down to “good buttery pastry”.
She works for catering company Taylor Shaw, which provides the meals at Ingleton Primary.
“I have been at Ingleton for two years and really enjoy cooking for the children,” she said.
“I do 65 meals a day. It is a three-choice menu – two hot options and a sandwich.
“The children really like spaghetti bolognese and pizza along with roast dinners.
“They also like chocolate cake and biscuits.”