Brian Preston of Lister House, Royal British Legion, has been crowned National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Chef of the Year 2023.

Preston’s triumph was celebrated in front of NACC members and guests at the NACC gala awards dinner held at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, which is part of the NACC Training & Development Forum 2023.

Nigel Cooke, Eastcote Park, Cinnamon Care Collection and Jessica Vreede, Guthrie House Edinburgh, Four Seasons Health Care took second and third places, respectively.

Daniel Bree, Hartwood House, Cinnamon Care Collection was also awarded Highly Commended Main and Preston scooped a second prize for Highly Commended Dessert  at the final event on Wednesday 4 October at the Manor Cookery School, Grantham.

Hygiene and waste management best practice was also recognised, with Christopher Mitchley, St John’s House awarded the Hygiene Award and Kasia Hab-Bialkowska, of Highmarket House Care Home, Care UK presented with the Waste Management Award.

Sue Cawthray, the NACC’s national chair, said: “Each year the standard of this competition seems to get higher and higher. I am full of admiration for all the contestants, particularly those who have returned after attempts in previous years. It shows that they continually seek to improve their performance, which ultimately benefits those residents within their care.

“Care chefs play an important part in the wellbeing of our residents. The vital role of good food and nutrition as a fundamental part of quality care has never been more important, especially as we are working our way through the current cost-of-living crisis. Once again, the standards of this year’s competition have been exceptional and is testament to the selfless dedication of care chefs who are driven to deliver excellence for their residents and clients no matter what pressures they face. We’re very proud of all the finalists and every care chef that use their talent and specialist knowledge to help care for the elderly and vulnerable through the provision of delicious and nutritious food.”

For more information on the NACC Care Chef of the Year 2023 competition visit www.thenacc.co.uk