A SPA chef proved he was hot stuff in the kitchen by scooping a coveted position in a cooking competition.

Azir Uddin, of Raj Tandoori, in Queen Street, was a runner-up in the local heat of the Curry Chef of the Year contest.

The event, earlier this month, was organised by Wychavon District Council's environmental health team.

The winner was Kevin Harford, a chef at Worcester Rugby Club and he will now go onto the regional heats.

The competition was sponsored by Patak - an Indian food specialist.

A Wychavon spokeswoman said: "The competition is to promote culinary excellence, improve food hygiene standards and build a positive relationship between chefs and restaurateurs in the district."