The competition has been launched in association with the Institute of Hospitality and the Craft Guild of Chefs for chefs from across UK to come up with a three course "gluten-free" meal with a cook-off for the three finalists from each group. The competition will take place at KNORR'S Kitchen Culinary Business Development Centre in Leatherhead, in November this year.

The recipe for the competition is made up of two categories - 'Gluten-free Chef of the Year' and the 'Up and Coming Gluten-free Chef of the Year'.

The Charity is now calling upon all chefs, right from the well established ones to those who are still trainees, to design recipes which would make an innovative and unique gluten-free three course meal.

Phil Vickery has already served Coeliac UK for the past couple of years to help raise awareness about the condition and the requirement for more catering establishments which would offer gluten-free meals as a part of their menu.

"I am very honored to accept the role as Coeliac UK's Food Ambassador and to continue to support the work of the Charity. I'm passionate about improving knowledge in the food industry and the necessity for more gluten-free cooking as more and more people are diagnosed. Since embarking on the cookbook I have learnt so much and it is essential that chefs understand the importance of having gluten-free recipes. I am therefore delighted to be judging this year's competition and urge chefs of all experience to enter", he said.

An autoimmune disease, Coeliac is caused due to gluten intolerance.