A PASSIONATE chef is hoping to create the winning concoction for Worcestershire when she represents the region's finest foods in a West Midlands competition.

Fresh rabbit, a pike from the River Teme and quince from trees in Horsham have been woven into ancient county recipes by Wiz Clift, who runs The Talbot Hotel, in Knightwick, with her sister Annie.

Ms Clift, a champion of local produce, is taking part in the Your Countryside, You're Welcome event to promote the tastiest aspects of Worcestershire's food heritage.

An Aga and small hob are her usual tools, and she admitted the modern gizmos at Birmingham College of Food - where the final is being held - may be challenging.

But she is quietly confident Worcestershire food and quality will shine through during British Food Fortnight.

"It's quite a responsibility, but I'm a strong believer in using local food and I hope I've got the right recipe in food and personality," she said.

The three-course meal will include poached pike dumplings for starters, followed by a rabbit pie from a recipe sent in by a Droitwich woman as part of a BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester competition, and for pudding, a quince custard tart based on a 17th Century recipe affectionately called Old Tart.

Ms Clift, who has been at The Talbot for nearly 20 years, has won awards for wine and home-brewed ales and has received wide acclaim for using organic local produce and reviving traditional dishes.