TOP hospital bosses will be feeling the heat at Furness General when they don their chefs whites for a festive cook-off.

Senior executives at the Morecambe Bay trust will take to the kitchens at the site for a Yuletude version of 'Ready, Steady, Cook', when they will be presented with a bag of ingredients - and a time limit of just 20 minutes.

The names of the four mystery chefs will be revealed on the day, along with a VIP guest.

"I wanted to organise an event that would be fun and entertaining for staff at the end of a busy year," said Shahnaz Asghar, governor at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bat Trust, who came up with the idea.

"What better way than to challenge our senior executives - who have faced many challenges this year - to cook up a celebratory meal from a surprise bag of ingredients."

Catering manager, Tracy Litt, will be joined by head chef, Andy Bickle, in providing expert advice throughout.

The pair will also judge the dishes - although staff will have the final say on whether 'Green Pepper' or 'Red Tomato' will take victory, voting with cards as inspired by the hit TV show.

Ms Asghar added: "There will be music and mince pies and we want as many people as possible to come along to enjoy themselves.

"We all know that good nutrition is the cornerstone of good health and cooking is something we do extremely well here at the hospital."

The competition will take place on December 18 from 10.30am in the dining room at Furness General Hospital.

All staff, governors and foundation trust members are invited.

Santa will also be making a guest appearance.