Set to take place at South Cheshire College on 23 May, this marks the competition’s 16^th anniversary and is open to chefs from the Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire, Cumbria and Shropshire area. The winner and runner-up from each heat will automatically be entered into the national semi-finals, as well as taking home £500 cash and, for the North West region, a newly added weekend for two at The Mere Golf Resort & Spa (Cheshire.)

Chairman of judges, Brian Mellor said: “Since its inception, the competition has gone from strength to strength; the levels of skill, the innovation, the sheer professionalism of these young chefs – the bar keeps being raised with every passing year!

“(Last year’s) 1-2-3 at the national finals was a magical result for the North West (three previous winners having taken home 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd positions at the grand final) and an affirmation that the region is brimming with talent.

“This time around we are delighted to announce South Cheshire College as our new home, while the raising of the age limit simply keeps us in check with the national criteria. As judges we can’t wait to see what this year has in store.”

For more information of to enter, visit: http://www.essentialcuisine.com/north-west-young-chef-competition/enter-the-north-west-young-chef-competition/