THREE teams of military chefs are preparing to battle it out to see who can cook the most popular curry to raise funds for charity.

The chefs will each prepare £5 meals in field kitchen conditions in Darlington’s market place, on Saturday, February 16.

The event, being contested by chefs from the Army base at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, is being organised by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson, from nearby Rockliffe Hall Hotel, will give cookery demonstrations to entertain passers-by.

He said: “This is a great opportunity to get the people of Darlington thinking about cooking something different and supporting charity at the same time.

“I hope that I will be able to inspire people by my demonstrations to produce some great meals at home.”

Proceeds from the event will go to both The Soldiers’ Charity and Sodexo’s charity, Stop Hunger.

Sergeant Martyn Gibbons, 38, who was seriously wounded by enemy fire in Afghanistan serving with the local North East regiment, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and whose daughter is currently serving with the Royal Signals, will also be coming to the event.

Sgt Gibbons, who was subsequently awarded the MBE, said: “ABF The Soldiers’ Charity helped me after my injury and its’ great to be able to come and support a new event like this.”

A spokesman for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity said: “This promises to be a real fun event bringing together a wide variety of the local and wider community of Darlington in support of two great causes – a curry is just the job on a cold February day.”

The event runs from noon to 2.30pm.