Cooking up a treat

Competition is warming up as amateur chefs, male and female, battle over hot stoves to give themselves a chance of winning this year's Henley Food Festival "Cook-Off' contest.

Sixteen amateur chefs are currently hoping to make their way to a live final for just two remaining candidates. This will take place at the festival, which this year is being held on May 11 and 12.

The ultimate winner will be offered a complimentary day for two people at the 'Mike Robinson Game and Wild Food Cookery School,' attached to the Pot Kiln in Yattendon.

In the first round eight couples go head to head against each other at four venues - The Pot Kiln, The Baskerville Arms in Shiplake, The Crooked Billet at Stoke Row and The Little Angel in Henley. They will cook a main course of their choice in front of their own supporters and pub regulars.

To encourage flair and initiative, contestants will only be allowed to spend £10 on ingredients. In addition, they will have access to oil, seasoning and herbs.

Two winners are being chosen from each venue and judging will be by the venue proprietors- Mike Robinson at the Pot Kiln, Graham Cromack at the Baskerville Arms, Paul Clereheugh at The Crooked Billet and Douglas Green at the Little Angel.

Those chosen go forward into knock-out quarter and semi finals until only two remain to contest the final at Henley Town Hall during the festival. A "celebrity chef" will decide the winner.