Judges for 2014 North West Young Chef competition revealed

The list of judges who will be on the panel for the heats of the 2014 North West Young Chef Competition has been announced.

As usual, the panel will be chaired by Brian Mellor, Master chef of Great Britain and Nigel Crane, Managing Director of Essential Cuisine.

Joining them will be one chef in each heat including Claire Lara, the first woman to win Masterchef: The Professionals, Matt Nugent, executive chef at Echo Arena and Conference Centre and Mark Fletcher, Head Chef at the Badger Inn.

Also taking a judging role during the heats will be Mike Bullard, head chef at West Bromwich Albion FC, Paul Prescott, executive chef with Nelson Group and Steve Williams, executive chef at Stanley House Hotel and Spa.

Each of the heat finalists will be invited to a master class with Aiden Byrne, the youngest ever chef to win a Michelin star.

The competition seeks to find young talent across the North West, which for the first time includes Flintshire County, alongside the regulars Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cumbria, Merseyside and Cheshire.

For more information on how to enter, visit the Essential Cuisine website here or contact Lucy on 01606 541 490.