THE region's only two-Michelin star restaurant will have a starring role on Masterchef: The Professionals as onscreen chefs go head to head to win the top prize.

On Wednesday night, semi-finalists will be put through their paces by James Close at his acclaimed restaurant, The Raby Hunt, near Darlington, in the first time he has ever agreed to have cameras in his kitchen.

Along with facing the challenge of cooking from the complex tasting menu during a packed lunchtime service, they will then have to replicate one of his signature dishes.

Mr Close said: “My first priority is always to be in my kitchen and being part of Masterchef the Professionals meant that I wasn’t taken away from the restaurant.

“At the same time it was a great opportunity to showcase what we do at The Raby Hunt to a huge audience of people who have an interest in food.”

Self-taught chef James has won a number of accolades including the Good Food Guide Chef of the Year and in 2017 was the only new restaurant in the UK to be awarded two stars.

“The chance for the semi-finalists to cook alongside James is a huge privilege and one that will place them in an extraordinary position to supercharge their culinary skills,” said a spokesperson for Masterchef the Professionals.

The Raby Hunt has recently undergone a £400,000 investment.