Linda Gale saw off competition from three other finalists to win at the inaugural A Thought for Food 2008.

The event, in the grounds of Stansted House, has taken over from the Emsworth Food Festival, which was cancelled after opposition from traders and residents who said it had grown too big.

Mrs Gale, from Bitterne, Southampton, won praise for her chicken in white wine cream with tarragon and lemon, served with chipped potatoes.

The 51-year-old, an accountant, said: 'I am gobsmacked. I can't actually believe that I have won. My gran just turned 100 so I'm going to go and see her tonight and tell her, she'll be gobsmacked as well!

'I really enjoyed the whole experience.

'I'm about to start catering college, which will keep me busy for the next couple of years.'

The four finalists had to cook on stage in front of an audience and a panel of judges, led by The News restaurant critic Carol Godsmark, yesterday afternoon.

Organisers of the festival, which celebrated local produce, were pleased with the estimated 2,000 visitors over the weekend.

Many had used a free shuttle-bus service between Stansted House and Emsworth.

Amanda Fallbrown, who helped organise the festival, said: 'It has been absolutely fantastic. It is the very first Thought for Food and people turned up despite the weather. We even had people here at 10am on Friday when it was practically blowing a gale.

'People have shown their support for local produce. We have been asked by so many to run it next year and hopefully we will.'