The heat will be turned up in Exeter next week in an attempt to find out who can rustle up the best Balti in the city.

Nine of Exeter's finest curry chefs will be putting their best dishes to the test on Wednesday at @34 Restaurant, Exeter College. At stake will be the prestigious title of Exeter Curry Chef of the Year 2012.

Contestants have two hours to prepare and serve a curry, a complementary side dish and a bread or rice dish. The chefs will be cooking before the gaze of a distinguished panel of local judges. Chairmanship of Master Chef, Spiritual Healer and Chocolate Therapist, Paul Da-Costa-Greaves will judging, alongside Cllr Greg Sheldon, Lead Councillor for Environment and Leisure, Richard Lawrence, of ITV West county, and Hugh Southcott, Head Chef at Exeter College.

Chefs will be judged on their ability to produce food with winning aroma, texture, taste and appearance.

Cllr Sheldon said: "We've had such an enthusiastic response from local restaurant owners. The competition gives local chefs the chance to be creative and put their skills to the challenge. It also helps the Council to promote good practice in food safety and hygiene and develop its relationship with local caterers."