THE CULINARY skills of Yarnton chef Marcella Field has scooped her the title of Chef of the Year 2018.

Ms Field, chef manager at Yarnton Residential and Nursing Home, was crowned the winner as part of Sanctuary Care's annual cookery contest.

The winner whipped up a menu including tian of crab and avocado with tomato salsa, followed by a main of stuffed poussin with fondant potatoes, carrot puree and seasonal vegetables.

For dessert it was a fig and frangipane tart with Chantilly cream and all dishes cooked up in a 90-minute cook-off.

Ms Field won a £250 cash prize and Unilever food hamper from the competition sponsors.