A VEGETARIAN cook from Devon has received a special commendation for her entry in a national culinary competition showcasing vegetarian meals.

Representing Devon at the final of a National Trust competition was Jean Crocker from Lydford Gorge, winner of the county's regional final.

Mrs Crocker was cooking her own adaptation of Homity Pie served with an autumn salad, homemade chutney and bread and butter.

Mrs Crocker received a certificate to mark her commendation from the judges.

They were particularly impressed that the whole dish was gluten-free.

Mrs Crocker finished just outside the top three, missing out on the main prizes which included trips to top restaurants.

The finalists, who all work at National Trust properties, got the chance to show off their expertise in preparing vegetarian dishes.

With the competition staged in September, harvest festivals were a major theme of the finalists' fare.

Paul Vickers, National Trust Enterprises' catering manager, said the competition was an ideal way to reward its most innovative cooks and give them recognition for the tremendous contribution that they make at their respective restaurants and tea-rooms.

The judges of the vegetarian cookery competition, who included BBC Good Food Magazine's Orlando Murrin, were looking for simple recipes that reflect the locality of the finalists, and were awarding marks for presentation, taste and texture.

The competition final was held on Monday, September 17, at National Trust-owned 18th century Wimpole Hall at Royston, the biggest stately home in Cambridgeshire.