AN ENTREPRENEUR who is passionate about food is representing Somerset in the Taste the Nation cookery contest.

AN ENTREPRENEUR who is passionate about food is representing Somerset in the Taste the Nation cookery contest.

Amateur chef, Melanie White, of Birchwood Avenue, Weston, joined three other amateur cooks in a team that was led by celebrity chef John Burton Race to represent Somerset.

The ITV contest, hosted by Nick Hancock, started on Monday and sees 36 regions from around the UK cooking against each other to become the culinary capital.

The 28-year-old said: "I felt so honoured being selected to represent Somerset out of so many other applicants and to get the chance to work with John Burton Race was a dream come true.

"He is a truly talented chef and I have learnt so much from him.

"I can't say where we get due to my contract with ITV, but I can say that I think we did Somerset proud."

Melanie, who works an entry to employment tutor for Rathbone, has recently set up her own company called Infusion Dining... The Unique Dinner Party Experience.

Melanie said: "We provide dinner parties in people's homes.

"The package includes the menu selection and our services for the whole evening.

"We do everything from shopping for the ingredients, cooking the meals in the host's home to washing up and cleaning the kitchen.

"So all the host has to do is entertain her guests."

For more details email infusiondining@googlemail.com