A CHEF from a Redditch housing scheme has cooked up some national recognition for her culinary skills after scooping first place in a prestigious competition.

Liz Forty has been preparing food for residents at Terry Spring Court, a care scheme run by the ExtraCare Charitable Trust, since it opened three years ago.

After taking part in a cook-off at Westminster College last month, she took part in the final at London's Hilton Metropole Hotel on Saturday and was formally named Care Chef of the Year.

Miss Forty was nominated by her manager, Ginny Larkin.

She was presented with her trophy by former snooker player John Virgo.

Miss Forty studied catering at Redditch and has been a chef for five years.