A CHEF who spends his time preparing meals for residents at a Worcester care home has reached the semi-finals of a national competition.

Peter McGregor, chef at Perry Manor care home in Charles Hastings Way, competed against the culinary talents of chefs from around the country to secure his place in the second round of the Care UK Chef of the Year competition.

Round one saw Mr McGregor challenged to prepare a two-course lunch in 90 minutes, while ensuring that the menu was seasonal and already a favourite with residents.

For the first course, Mr McGregor prepared a chicken breast with a parsley crumb and a selection of vegetables. This was followed by lemon tart with Worcestershire strawberries.

The meal was tasted by four judges including a regional director, a hotel services manager and two residents, and judged on originality, presentation, taste, nutrition and menu design.

He said: “I’m thrilled to have made it to the semi-finals. The level of skill and creativity from the other chefs was really high, but I was confident that the dishes I cooked would be received well by the judges because they are always enjoyed by the residents of Perry Manor.”

Mike Dearn, home manager, said: “The Chef of the Year competition is a brilliant opportunity for the chefs at Care UK to show their talent and expertise. It’s great that Peter’s cookery skills have been recognised and we are all eagerly awaiting the semi-finals where I’m sure he will see further success.”

The semi-finals, which will take place in September, will see 12 chefs compete for just four places in the final of Care UK’s Chef of the Year.

Perry Manor is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care.