A FATHER from North Yorkshire was among those who put their culinary skills to the test in a competition designed to find the country's top amateur chef.

Father-of-two Tom Simpson, from Thirlby, near Thirsk, was one of 28 who took part in the northern regional heat of the Taste Cook of the Year competition.

The contest is run by the digital food and drink channel, Taste CFN, along with food expert and TV presenter Lloyd Grossman.

Mr Simpson will have to wait for when all the regional heats have been completed before discovering if he makes it to the final 32 who will compete in the 15-week series, which begins in September.