A WEST Devon chef is celebrating, after being selected for the semi-final of the 2014 South West Chef of the Year Awards. Daniel Gambles, of Chagford's Gidleigh Park, has been selected as one of the competitors in the Young Professionals class alongside chefs from Lucknam Park in Bath, Castle Hotel in Taunton and the Five Bells Inn in Clyst Hydon. Gidleigh Park's Steffan Davies is a reserve entry in the same class. Michael Caines, who is executive head chef at Gidleigh Park and one of the judges, said: 'The standard of entries was exceptional this year with entrants putting a lot of thought into their chosen menus and creating dishes that really impressed the judges on paper. 'South West Chef of the Year is a prestigious award which is held in high regard by chefs and restaurateurs in the region. 'The line-up of semi-finalists reflects the importance within the industry of competing in, and winning, this award.' The shortlist of 16 semi-finalists in the professional and young professional classes was chosen by an illustrious panel of chef judges that includes Michael Caines, James and Chris Tanner, Mark Hix, Paul Ainsworth, Peter Gorton, Matt Mason and Nathan Outlaw. The semi-finalists will cook their menus for the judging panel on October 11, where they will have just 90 minutes to prepare their two-course menu for three people using two compulsory ingredients. The Young Professional semi-finalists are required to work with cod and Red Ruby rump tail. The semi-finalists' delicious and diverse menus include cod ravioli, mackerel three ways and Ruby Red rump tartare. The successful semi-finalists selected for the final will return to prepare a three-course meal using a mystery box of ingredients presented only 30 minutes before the competition begins on October 27.