A new generation of talented Welsh chefs is set to take centre stage when they compete for the coveted Junior Chef of Wales title later this month.

Among them will be 19-year-old Ben Mitchell, who is demi chef de parti at The Grove, Narberth.

Only four chefs from across the nation have been selected for the final at the Welsh International Culinary Champions (WICC) at Coleg Llandrillo, Rhos-on-Sea, on Monday, February 15.

Ben, who lives in Narberth, will be making his competitive debut in the final and is looking forward to the challenge. He is being mentored by The Grove’s head chef Peter Whaley.

“In the final I will be cooking dishes that I would like to see on the menu and using local ingredients,” he said. “I am really excited and looking forward to the final because it’s something I’ve never done before. I’ve enjoyed writing the menu and practising the dishes.”

He and his fellow finalists will be given three hours to cook a three-course meal for four people and will be keen to impress a stellar panel of judges, which includes Michelin star chefs Hywel Jones from Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, near Chippenham, Will Holland, from Coast Restaurant, Saundersfoot, Shaun Hill, from The Walnut Tree, near Abergavenny and John Retallick, Culinary Association of Wales secretary.

The winner will qualify for the UK semi-finals of the National Junior Chef of the Year contest, spend a week with head chef Gareth Ward at the Michelin starred Ynyshir Hall, near Machynlleth, and receive a set of knives from Dick Knives.

Organised by the Culinary Association of Wales, the WICC has Food and Drink Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government’s department representing the food and drink industry, as its main sponsor.