A bank manager will swap his briefcase for a chopping board when he competes for the chance to win a top chef scholarship.

Brian Harvey, 31, will be battling it out against seven other aspiring cooks in the final of the 2003 Raymond Blanc scholarship today.

The group of finalists will being going head-to-head in a cook-off at Mr Blanc's restaurant Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire.

Mr Harvey, of Ridgeway Gardens, Brighton, has the chance to spend two years training in the kitchens at Le Manoir.

The scholarship also includes a management programme offering advice on setting up a restaurant.

The 178 applicants had to demonstrate a passion for food as well as a commitment to long hours and demands.

Mr Harvey has always been eager to cook for friends and family and dreamed of being a chef.

To reach the final, the contestants had to submit a recipe of their choice and explain why they should become the next Raymond Blanc scholar.

For the cook-off, Mr Harvey will have to cook his recipe, which will be judged by a panel including Mr Blanc.

Friday May 2 2003