MILITARY chefs will clash saucepans in a cookery competition at the weekend.

Territorial Army chefs from the north of England, and Scotland, will make mouth-watering meals on a camp fire stove in the bid to be named best Combat Caterers.

Taking place at Whitburn Training Camp, Sunderland, the contest will involve seven teams preparing meals designed for Kosovo-style operations.

As well as culinary expertise, the competition will also test their military skills.

The chefs will take part in a 6.5km timed march and shoot and will be tested on their nutrition and hygiene knowledge.

Their drivers' road skills and knowledge of the Highway Code will also be scrutinised.

Colonel Andy Anderson said yesterday: "In the past few years, events in the Balkans and elsewhere have shown a need for chefs to be able to create nutritious and sustaining meals, suitable for feeding large numbers of people in separate locations.

"On the Sunday, the teams will be given materials to build their own stove, and will have four hours to produce a three-course VIP lunch for eight people, from a mystery box of ingredients.

"In the past, we have had some very close competitions, and I hope that we will again over this weekend."