A chef who started out as a kitchen porter at Hexham's Bouchon Bistrot is one of the six finalist chefs battling for the Roux Scholar 2024 title at the Alain Roux Culinary School on April 8.

Restaurant Pine's Liam Smith, 28, studied at Queen Elizabeth High School, Hexham, and began his career as a kitchen porter before taking on his first chef job at The Crown Inn in Catton.

The Roux Scholarship, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, was established by Michel Roux OBE in 1984 and is the industry’s most acclaimed chef competition in the UK with many scholars having gone on to win Michelin stars.

Finalists were required to present the dish they proposed in their applications, incorporating a free-range gilt pork short loin, two fresh pork kidneys, and sweet potatoes, as well as a dessert using a mystery box of ingredients issued on the day.

Mr Smith said: "I guess it’s hard to prep for the final, but I’ll be doing lots of reading of classical cookbooks.

"And then on the day, I guess it’s a case of keeping your head."

The grand final will take place at the Alain Roux Culinary School at The Waterside Inn.

The 2024 Roux Scholar will be announced at an award dinner at Coworth Park, Berkshire, the same evening.

The winner will receive up to £12,000, a two-month stage at a three-star Michelin restaurant anywhere in the world, or the option of a training programme tailored to their interests and skills.

American chef Thomas Keller will lead the judging panel for the national final.