A Shepton Mallet chef competed in the finals of a national chef competition this week.

Ross Smithwick, who runs Aurora Kusina Filipino restaurant in Shepton with his wife Amber, travelled to The Langham Hotel in London to take part in the final of the Nespresso Professional Chef Academy Competition.

Chefs from across the country were challenged to submit a creative and innovative dish under the theme of 'Food Sustainability and the Future', and pair it with one of Nespresso's Master Origins Professional coffees.

Ross was one just only six chefs selected to cook for the panel of high profile judges, which included Sally Abé, Michael Wignall, Andy Beynon and Anton Manganaro.

Ross chose to make his favourite Filipino dish called Kare Kare; which has a rich peanut sauce as a base. This is usually made with a red meat such as beef or oxtail but to fit with the eco-conscious brief he made this vegan, serving the dish with in-season aubergine, cauliflower and spring greens.

This dish is now available on Aurora Kusina's winter menu which launched this week.

Although Ross didn't win the competition, it was a great achievement to reach the finals.

Amber said: "It's an absolute honour that Ross chose a recipe inspired by my mum, my roots and our business.

"Ross, you make me, our family and the whole team at Aurora Kusina so proud!"