Two chefs from each of the six NACC regions triumphed during the regional cook-offs, impressing the judges with their culinary skills and their knowledge and understanding of catering within a care setting.

On Wednesday 11 June the 12 finalists will compete in a cook-off for the coveted title of Care Cook of the Year 2014.

Open to all chefs and cooks in the care sector (both NACC members and non-members), entrants arerequired to create a delicious and nutritionally balanced two-course menu, main and dessert, suitable for service users in a care setting and with a total food cost of no more than £1.50 per head based on four portions.

In just 90 minutes they are expected to produce a first-class menu that demonstratesinnovation, costing ability, suitability for the environment, adherence to nutrition guidelines, great taste, and overall menu balance.

The 2014 NACC Care Cook of the Year National Finalists:

Scottish region:
•    Alan Innes, Appin House, Kirkcaldy, Fife
•    Margaret Stewart, Methilhaven Care Home, Methil, Fife

Northern region:
•    Luke Slaughter, Loxley Park Care Home, Sheffield
•    Giles Conroy, Sunrise Senior Living of Bramhall, Stockport

Midlands region:
•    Sam Wicks, Peaker Park Care Village, Market Harborough
•    Jennie-May Smith, Berkeley House Care Home, Hull

Welsh region:
•    Laszlo Kovacs, Burges House Care Centre, Cardiff
•    Gareth O’Hara, Sunrise Senior Living of Cardiff

South West region:
•    Anthony Proffitt, Kimberley Court Care Home, Newquay
•    Chris Hill, The Rosary Nursing Home, Bridgwater

South East region:
•    Alan Simpson, Sunrise Senior Living of  Guildford
•    Becky Allcorn, Rotary Lodge, Worthing

Neel Radia, national chair, NACC, commented: “The NACC Care Cook of the Year Competition tests all of the essential skills and knowledge held by chefs in the care sector. It also gives them the opportunity to showcase the great talent and best practices that they put into good use on a daily basis.  The talent within our sector is outstanding and this fantastic competition gives us a platform to shout about it, which is something caterers in the care sector don’t get to do very often!

“The twelve national finalists are prime examples of the excellent work consistently being done in care catering across the UK.  I congratulate them on their success so far in the competition and wish everyone the very best of luck in the National Final.  It is sure to be an exhilarating cook off!”

As well as the esteemed title of NACC Care Cook of the Year 2014, the overall winner will claim a superb prize package and trophy.