Hospice chef wins top accolade

Five shortlisted chefs took part in a cook-off at the top-flight catering facilities at the Worcester Warriors Club and were asked to produce and serve a three-course meal in two hours. Lawson Shuttleworth, Worcester Warriors' executive chef was one of the judges as well as Worcester News' Lauren Rogers. Roger said: "It was such a close contest. I was bowled over by the effort that the chefs had gone to. I'm very pleased for Jane, who truly deserved to win. Her meal was healthy, balanced, uncomplicated and tasty. Her fruit salad starter was bursting with fresh flavour and the chocolate pudding was divine. "She's been working at Acorns Children's Hospice in Worcester since it first opened and, although she makes a difference to people's lives every day, she's very modest. "There are dozens of cooks, just like Jane, who work in schools, hospitals and care homes all over Worcestershire. It was nice to see them get the recognition they deserve." The top three finalists will appear alongside the likes of Rustie Lee in the Heart of England Fine Food Cookery Theatre throughout Worcester Feast which runs from 4th-7th September 2009. People have been nominating their favourite chefs who work at nursing homes, hospices and schools for the last two months.