ROSSENDALE could be cemented onto the nation’s culinary map when budding cooks battle it out for the ultimate TV title.

Two contestants, whose dinner parties will be screened on Channel Four hit show Come Dine With Me next week, were competing against stiff competition across the North West.

The programme follows them as they each hold their idea of the perfect dinner party to compete for the £1,000 prize.

Flying the flag for the borough was project manager Kate Mayers, 28, of Rawtenstall, and property developer Mark Hogg, aged 45, from Ramsbottom.

Kate was filmed at her apartment in Bacup Road hosting a dinner party to impress the other contestants.

She said: “I used to work at the Bay Horse pub in Fence and the owner at the time, Carl Reeder, really got me into cooking.

“I thought getting involved with the programme would be great to meet some new people, find out what other people like to eat, and also because I have a passion for cooking.

“It was one of the best things I have ever done, but it was so exhausting. There was a camera right in my face when I was preparing a meal and cooking it.

“One session we did not finish until 5.30am!.”

Kate cooked caramelised red onion and goat's cheese tartlets on a spinach and rocket salad for starter, sunny monkfish with mussels and crevettes for a main and a Bailey's brulee for pudding.

Mark Hogg, of Oxhey Close, featured products from his hometown in an organic-themed menu on night two.

The father-of three was annoyed that his crab risotto and French-style lamb cutlets were served dry and cold.

Mr Hogg said: “What people don’t realise is there’s only one cameraman who wants to film food being served from four different angles.”

Come Dine With Me will be shown every evening next week at 5.25pm on Channel four.