England hope for sweet success

Jaffa Cakes are a source of "high energy"

A top Worcestershire chef, who will prepare meals for England's World Cup team, is taking a secret weapon to Japan with him - Jaffa Cakes.

Roger Narbett, who owns the Chequers Inn at Droitwich, has been the official chef for the national squad for the past 13 years.

On his menu will be the usual lean chicken, pasta and vegetables but the humble Jaffa Cake will also be given to players to provide an energy boost.

Roger Narbett is England's official chef

During a recent fact-finding mission to Asia, Mr Narbett discovered that the orange-flavoured biscuit is not available in Japan, so he will be taking several boxes with him to keep the players' strength up.

He told BBC News Online: "Jaffa Cakes have been around for a long time and are a quick source of energy and carbohydrates as well."

Mr Narbett says the move came after speaking to dieticians.

"We will be using them before the game and then in the refuelling process after the game."

An ex-football player himself, Mr Narbett will fly out to Japan with the England team for the World Cup finals.

And as well as the Jaffa Cakes, he will also be taking with him a consignment of cereals, nutri-bars and blackcurrant cordial which he also had difficulty finding in the Far East.