GEORDIE chef Peter Jordan looked to his roots to take the title of GNER Chef of the Year 2001.

Peter, from Winlaton, Tyneside, gave his dishes a distinctive North-East theme - serving up a starter of Stottie bruschetta, a main course of loin of pork Lindisfarne, and rounded off with his unique black and white ntl pudding . . . for the taste of the Toon Army.

Peter was presented with the Paul Taylor Trophy, in memory of the GNER chef from Newcastle who won the title last year, but who died in the rail accident at Great Heck in February.

Runner-up was Rob Tomkins, of Peterborough.

Peter, who has worked for GNER for three-and-a-half years, said: "I am very thrilled and very honoured."