Students hoping to win a 12-month scholarship to the von Essen hotel chain are sharpening their knives for a catering competition.

Nine trainee chefs at Wiltshire college are designing a three course meal that can be prepared, cooked and presented in three hours .

Judges include Daniel Moon, head chef at von Essen’s Homewood Park and 2008 von Essen Chef of the Year.

The finalists, who were whittled down from 24 contestants from all the college campuses will compete on June 16 at the Trowbridge campus.

The winner will be announced at a champagne reception at Homewood Park Hotel, near Bath.