A young chef has cooked his way to the finals of a prestigious competition.

Steve Allen, 24, originally from Eastbourne, works at Claridge's in London and is on his way to winning the Young Chef 2003 award after making it through regional finals.

The Young Chef award is sponsored by the Savoy Educational Trust and organised by The Restaurant Association.

As well as the distinguished title, the winner will receive £2,000 and a trip to the Rioja wine growing region of Spain.

A Young Waiters competition runs in conjunction with the chef's challenge. Waiter and chef will be paired up for the final in October, to cook and serve lunch to a panel of judges.

Steve, a national finalist last year, said: "I was surprised but delighted to win through to the national finals last year and this year I was equally so.

"This competition is important because a good relationship between chefs and waiters can be very beneficial for both parties."

Steve, whose family still lives in Eastbourne, went to school in Heathfield and trained at Thames Valley University.

He is one of eight young chefs who will compete at the national final.

Friday September 19, 2003