THE humble British banger is the basis for many well-loved delectable dishes.Yet the sausage took on a distinctly more exotic range of guises in Newmarket yesterdayas top chefs cooked up a storm in their kitchens in a bid to create an award-winning recipe.

THE humble British banger is the basis for many well-loved delectable dishes.

Yet the sausage took on a distinctly more exotic range of guises in Newmarket yesterdayas top chefs cooked up a storm in their kitchens in a bid to create an award-winning recipe.

The only rule of the unique competition, organised by Forest Heath District Council, was that all the taste bud tickling dishes had to feature the famous Newmarket sausage, made by either Powters or Musks.

Famed for their spicy flavour and known to be a favourite of royalty, the town's bangers, created in the 1800's, have become a firm fixture on the plate of families around the country.

It is hoped that the contest will provide frustrated cooks with new ideas for cooking their bangers, instead of relying on just the traditional favourites.

Newmarket mayor Robin Miller was one of the judges who took on the challenge of rating the competition entries.

He said: "I think we're looking for something that is quite unique and distinctive. While I could see the very traditional bangers and mash winning, at the same time I would think it would need something a little bit different to come out on top and, of course, presentation will also be important.

"I love food, so this is close to my ideal afternoon really. It's a sunny day in a place that I love and it involves something which I love doing – eating.

"Obviously, the competition also features our sausages, which this area is very well known for. We get comments from all over the country about them, and it's something we should be very proud of."

The competition pitted three well-known local eateries against each other, the Heath Court Hotel, the Rutland Arms and the National Horse Racing Museum.

Darren Worthington, head chef at the Heath Court, said a total of five chefs from his kitchen were gunning for first place in the contest.

While saying he could not reveal his own recipe, Mr Worthington added: "We've been working hard to come up with the recipes but we've also got to a run a kitchen, so it's been difficult.

"I think it is going to be quite competitive between us all. We've been trying out some really unique recipes – it's been good fun, but also a bit frustrating.

"The competition is a good thing for Newmarket because we are already famous for our sausages, so this just adds to it."

The winner will be revealed at an awards ceremony set to be held at the town's Palace House on Saturday at 1.30pm.