THE heat is on for North-East chefs as they prepare for the Great North Menu Challenge final on Monday (October 29).

Fourteen chefs will take part in a ‘cook-off’ at Darlington College to determine whose dishes will be served at the North East Hoteliers Association (NEHA) Excellence Awards dinner at Ramside Hall in February.

Monday’s judges will include Great British Menu winner Nigel Haworth and celebrated North East chef and restaurateur Terry Laybourne.

The competition was organised by Michelin starred chef Kenny Atkinson of Hurworth’s Rockliffe Hall to encourage more people in the region to consider a career in catering.

It is being supported by the NEHA and Darlington College.