A Silsden chef has found the ingredient for success in a top catering competition. David Carr has won through to the regional finals of the Roux Scholarship.

It is the second time in three years that David, of Skipton Road, has got past the preliminary judging of the prestigious contest. "The Roux Scholarship is one of the best catering competitions around and I am delighted to once again be through to the regional finals," said David, 29, who works at the Angel Inn at Hetton.

"This time I am hoping to go one better and progress to the national final." David has been a chef for nearly 12 years, training at Darlington College in his native north-east after leaving school. He will be cooking up a mouth-watering treat under the watchful eyes of a renowned judging panel at the March 6 regional finals.

His dish will be a duo of pan seared and steamed mackerel fillets, served on a roast Mediterran-ean vegetable and soft herb risotto with a petite herb salad, finished with salsa verde and caramelised lemon. The national winner of the scholarship - founded 20 years ago by brothers Albert and Michel Roux - will receive a £2,500 cash award, up to three months' training at a three-Michelin-starred establishment in Europe, and a host of other prizes including trips to the Caribbean, France and Italy.