Care Cook of the Year Final set for July 6

Semi finals have now been held across the United Kingdom to select the final six. The finalists are set to compete to gain the overall title of Care Cook of the Year 2011 at Unilever's Knorr Kitchen, Leatherhead on July 6. The finalists took up the challenge of creating a two-course meal meeting stringent criteria with a total cost per head of £1.30. The competition is recognised as the longest-standing independent recipe competition in the UK and attracts top chefs from across the Care Catering Sector. New to the competition this year is a finalist from the Republic of Ireland and the competition has also attracted its youngest ever entrant from Harrogate Neighbours Housing Association, North Yorkshire. He is just 20 years old. The final line up is: * Emanuele Ferri, Haven Bay Care Home, Republic of Ireland * Edward Zammit, Helen Court, Essex * Jose Manuel de Freitas, Silver Springs Care Home, Jersey Margaret Stewart, Methilhaven Home, Fife Malcolm Shipton, Wren Hall Nursing Home, Derbyshire Stephen Wilkins, Harrogate Neighbours, Yorkshire Derek Johnson, NACC National Chair commented: " The competition continues to expand, and attract a high quality of skilled practioners working in the care sector. "The quality of their finished product would not be out of place in a restaurant. "With malnutrition awareness rising this is a good platform to showcase what can be achieved within budget. He added: "Stephen Wilkins has proved that even at just 20 perseverance can pay off because he first entered the competition as an 18 year old. "It is good to see someone so young excelling in our industry."