Budding Michelin stars will cook up signature dishes in the Banbury round of a national young chefs' competition

Hook Norton student Sophie Brown was winner of the 2018 Young Chef contest. She received her trophy from mayor Cllr Colin Clark. Also pictured is sponsor Reg Howe of Reg's Cafe.

The annual event is the Rotary UK Young Chef Competition which will take place at the Banbury and Bicester College.

Contenders will use the professional kitchens to prepare and finish two courses for judging. The winner will go forward to the next round which takes place in Newbury in February.

Banbury Rotary Club spokesman Bernard Goodchild said: "The Rotary Club of Banbury has managed a competition for 12 years now with 2019 only missing due to problems with a venue.

"Every year the local winner has taken part in the next district round representing Banbury and three of these have won that round as well.

The contest begins for the young chefs at 5.30pm when contenders will don their special Rotary Club chefs' whites and prepare themselves, their ingredients and equipment for the Cook-Off which begins at 6pm. The three judges will be watching their style and culinary skills in the kitchens for the two-hour cooking process as well as tasting the dishes.

Parents are invited along and will await the final presentation of dishes and the tropy presentation in the college's restaurant. The prizes and certificates will be handed over by Banbury Town Mayor, Cllr John Colegrave.