TERRITORIAL Army chef Alexandra Bysh went back to basics to prepare a feast fit for a Queen.

Lance Corporal Bysh from Bury pushed her culinary creativity to the limit when she whipped up a mouth-watering meal on an improvised campfire stove.

She cooked a three-course meal for ten people using a cooker made from an oil drum, bricks and wood.

The culinary test was a major phase of Combat Caterer, the National Territorial Army Catering Competition designed to test the field catering and military skills of the TA.

Seven three-man teams of TA chefs from across the UK took part in the competition which also saw them set up a camouflage kitchen and produce a tasty meal which was high in protein and carbohydrates.

Held at the Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham, the competition also tested the soldiers' military skills. All the teams took part in a 6.5 kilometre march and shoot and were tested on nutrition and hygiene. The drivers were tested on their driving skills and knowledge of the Highway Code.

L/Cpl Bysh has been member of 104 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) for three years. In civilian life, the 32-year-old works as a retail area manager for an Accrington based gifts company.

She said: "Joining the TA was the best move I ever made. I met my husband Michael through it. He was my basic training instructor.

"I enjoy it because it's different to my normal job. It has certainly improved my culinary skills."

Lieutenant Colonel Peter McCall, Commanding Officer of the Catering Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, added: "Military chefs need to be able to create a nutritious and sustaining meal suitable for feeding large numbers of people in separate locations.

"Combat Caterer has demonstrated just how well our soldier chefs can meet that requirement."