From David Hutchings, Exeter 382594, November 06, 2007

THE TOP Devon school chef of the year will be selected tomorrow following a special cook-off.

Three school cooks will be going head-to-head in a 'Masterchef'-style contest in Exeter.

The winner will take part in a national culinary competition to find the School Chef of the Year 2008 to promote the high standards of skill, professionalism and creative talent in the education catering sector.

This year's contestants are Anne Hext-Williams from Lady Modiford's School in Walkhampton, Emma Baker from Stokenham School and

Nikki Hartry from Two Moors School in Tiverton.

The cook-off will be held at Larkbeare House in Exeter from 12 noon tomorrow (November 7) when the three chefs will each cook a two-course meal using ingredients costing just 90p.

They will be judged on presentation, nutritional balance, taste and appeal to children and innovative use of local ingredients.

This year's judges are Year 7 students from Exmouth Community College, a chef, a catering professional and dietician.

The contest is being organised by the Local Authority Caterers Association (LACA) and Nestl Food Services.

Sarah Skinner, Head of Devon Catering and Cleaning Services, said: "We all look forward to this event in our calendar.

"It's a day when the catering staff take centre stage and the current issue in nutrition in school catering brings an extra dimension to the competition."

Devon Catering and Cleaning Services is Devon County Council's in-house catering provider, formed in 1988 to provide catering and cleaning services to Devon schools.

NOTE TO NEWS EDITORS: You are welcome to send a reporter and photographer to this event and enjoy a buffet lunch.

For further information contact Nigel Sanders at DCCS on 01392 384878.

			OTE TO NEWS EDITORS: A timescale is attached, you are welcome to send a reporter/photographer to cover this event and to join us for a buffet lunch. Please contact Nigel Sanders at DCCS on Exeter (01392) 384878.