TWO chefs from the Moorland Garden Hotel, Yelverton, have been recognised for their excellence at a regional cooking competition.

The young commis chefs, Rich Henderson and Jake Westlake, took part in The Major International Culinary Challenge in conjunction with the Craft Guild of Chefs, held at South Devon College, Paignton.

The competition is open to junior and senior chefs of varying skill levels from any type of outlet and take places throughout the year at venues around the country.

Jake Westlake took part in the prestigious 'Tasted, Decorated Gateau' class presenting a chocolate gateau with raspberry pannacotta and was awarded a gold medal.

Jake said: 'I was delighted to win gold and to be recognised for the hard work that I put into perfecting this dish.'

Rich Henderson participated in the 'Live Fish Main Course' category, which required a fish main course to be cooked and presented in 30 minutes using local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients following current restaurant trends. He chose to cook a John Dory fish dish and was awarded a merit.

The commis chefs' awards come at a great time for the Moorland Garden Hotel, formerly Moorland Links, as it prepares to launch fine dining at the hotel's 'The Wildflower Restaurant'.

New head chef, Ross Tregidgo said: 'It is an extraordinary achievement for both of them, particularly Jake, to achieve gold, as only a small percentage of competitors achieve such a high standard.'