A care home chef is enjoying the the sweet taste of success.

Dan Moss, who works at Tall Trees, Mile End Road, Colchester, was named care home Chef of the Year for his consistently tempting and nutritious food.

He said he was shocked when his name was read out at the ceremony in Oxfordshire, adding: “It was a really tough competition. I had to win through several rounds before representing the East of England in the Masterchef-style finals.

“When I got to the finals, the other competitors were all experienced and talented. I just got my head down and cooked my menu.’’

Chefs from 113 care homes took part in the competition. Mr Moss wowed the judges with a menu of chicken and leek stack, with garlic and chive mash and a trio of desserts, including chocolate and raspberry crumble, lemon drizzle cake and mixed berry fool.

Katherine Foley, home manager, said: “Dan is an excellent chef.

Everything is home-cooked. Dan keeps a list of birthdays in the kitchen, so a resident’s birthday never passes without a cake. He really isachef in a million.”

Head judge Paul Wright said: “Dan stood out because of his attention to detail, well-planned preparation and faultless execution of his dishes.

“He showed great technical skills, as well as delivering great-flavoured dishes.”