A SOUS chef whose scrumptious dishes have tickled the palates of hundreds in Thornbury has been selected to enter a prestigious cook-off.

Andrew Chan, 29, a valued member of the catering team at Thornbury Castle has been shortlisted in the Professional Class semi-finalists at the South West Chef of the Year competition 2013.

Mr Chan, who has been a qualified cook for 11 years, will be vying for the champion title against big industry names, including senior and head chefs from Bath and Taunton.

He said: "I didn't expect to get through at all. I did it on the off-chance and to get through is quite an achievement."

To be considered for the competition, Mr Chan had to submit a two-course menu to the judging panel. Having gone through to the next stage, he will have just one hour and a half to prepare his hake starter and lamb main dish at the semi-final in Exeter on Saturday, October 12.

"I've not gone too extravagant," he said. "You only have one hour and a half to get your food ready. I've chosen nice, simple food but I'll still be showing off my skills."

He added: "I'm pretty nervous. There will be some really great chefs there."

The competition will be judged by a panel of some of the finest chefs in the South West and the results will be announced at an awards presentation dinner on the evening of Monday, October 28 at Exeter Golf and Country Club.

South West Chef of the Year celebrates the skill and dedication of professional and up-and-coming chefs and amateur cooks.